Tayo Cousins: Comedy Spotlight

Though he was raised in Manchester, it’s in the comedy clubs of New York that Tayo Cousins found his feet as a performer. It’s there that his Nigerian-born father resides, and though his paternal relationship may be somewhat frayed, his biological link to the Big Apple has helped mould his effortless, confident style.

At just 20 years of age Cousins recently took home the panel prize from the coveted ‘Beat the Frog World Series’ at The Frog and Bucket, a prize chosen by industry insiders. It’s not hard to see why. Though he may still be a little rough around the edges (he’s been at it less than a year) there is a tremendous star quality to Cousins you can’t take your eyes off. And he does a killer Morgan Freeman impression.

Influences:
“Robin Williams is my biggest influence. He was amazing to me because of his ability to convey a situation to the point you could see it and then bring it to life with the characters and voices. Also, he is what I want to be: a great comedian that can shock people by being an outstanding actor as well. Another would be Louis CK, just solely because of the way he thinks adjacent to the public and makes it so funny.”

First gig:
“My first gig was in The Comedy Store, Manchester – the King Gong competition, which was as terrifying as I had heard. I got on and my mind went over each line I had written for it and for the next 1 minute 36 seconds (a number I can't forget) I went into overdrive, reworking and testing out jokes that I didn't think would work but were getting massive reactions from the crowd. Which was great until I said a joke that can't and has never been said since that showed me a crowd needs to be warmed up if you’re gonna get crude. But it was the best learning experience for me and it hooked me – every time I've had money since I've used it to get to a gig and make someone laugh.”

Best gig:
“My best gig was in New York, where I have done the majority of my stand up. It was in Manhattan, in a bar called the Karma Lounge. What's great about that place is that all of the people there are so accepting and friendly, but what made it so good was it was the first time I did my Morgan Freeman impression and it just killed the room! It was a night where every one of my new jokes hit and that one just hit home, and I remember how clean my set was. It just felt amazing.”

Favourite venue:
“My favourite venue is probably The Frog and Bucket, Manchester. The stage might be small but the crowds are always big and always welcoming. It's rare I feel at home somewhere so quickly, but that place especially makes me feel cool, calm and collected.” 

Best heckle:
“The best heckle I've ever had was when an elderly gentleman wanted to know why we comedians swore so much. He was kind enough to wait ’til I got off stage to ask, ‘Hey Coco Pop, why do you have to swear on stage?’ He didn't wait for a reply before saying, “Ahhhh you wouldn't know.” I didn't realise he called me ‘Coco Pop’ ’til he left and sat down.”

What would you be doing if you weren’t doing standup?
“I would be doing what I’m doing now; working at Nando’s, which is fulfilling (literally they give me free food). I would also be in some kind of theatre school on the side.”

If you lived in medieval times what would you do for a living?
“Blacksmith (sorry, African-American Smith).” 

Question from past Spotlighter Sophie Willan: What’s the worst joke you’ve ever written?
“The one about my mum that lost me the King Gong – and a friend in the process…”

---

Follow Cousins' misadventures Cousins on Twitter: @TayoCousins