If you’ve ever wanted to explore the complex world of friendships, whilst experiencing some serious belly laughs, Friending, a brand new podcast, where its inaugural episodes are recorded live at Brighton Fringe, is for you!
Hosted by stand-up comedians Lucy Frederick and Robyn Perkins and psychologist Dr Carolyne Keenan, Friending explores the highs and lows of friendship with all the messy bits in between laid bare with hilarious results. We didn’t know what to expect when we arrived – the hosts were sat on stage with just a microphone and a large glass of white wine each – but Lucy began effortlessly firing jokes at the audience, putting us at ease and showcasing her strength and experience as a stand-up comic.
Our episode didn’t feature the fabulous Robyn, however, Lucy and Carolyne more than filled the stage from the start by sharing their friendship origin stories. No subject was left unturned as the pair discussed friendships gained and lost. Within minutes we’d learnt of a mutual friendship that was no longer shared, an amorous dolphin and a serious lack of personal boundaries!
Both Lucy and Carolyne struck a wonderful balance between perceptive observations and the kind of humour that makes your sides hurt. The friendship stories they shared were relatable, honest, joyful, sad and laden with personal vulnerability – it takes huge bravery to discuss where you feel you’ve mucked up a friendship with an audience, however, Lucy and Carolyne created a space where fun, friendship and emotion could all exist together in a rare and delightful balance.
Where Lucy hit us between the eyes with a sucker-punch of a gag, Carolyne provided insightful analysis into the scenarios they were discussing, drawing on her professional experience as a psychologist. We learnt about the development of friendship in children and how many friends we as adults can really focus on (it’s five!), each research-backed insight effortlessly woven into the show without sounding clinical.
One of the show’s unique qualities was the involvement of the audience, through inviting comment on the scenarios, ask questions or simply get involved. We felt like a key component of the show, rather than passive observers.
We left feeling like we’d bonded as a group, having made friends with the hosts and the rest of the audience… maybe we need to examine our boundaries?! There are still a couple of opportunities to see Friending being recorded and get involved – don’t miss out.
Friday 23rd May at 6pm and Sunday 25th May at 2.15pm; £5
The Laughing Horse at The Quadrant, 12-13 North Street, Brighton, BN1 3GJ
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