Stand up comedian Christopher Hall talks career, inspiration, Gwen Stefani and being a millennial

UK comedian Christopher Hall, who has collaborated with Gwen Stefani and the Jonas Brothers, talks ahead of his first visit to our city for the Adelaide Fringe.

UK comedian Christopher Hall, who has built up a strong following via social media, is coming to The Fringe to take us on a very special, and particularly sarcastic journey through the trials and tribulations of millennial-dom in this, his first visit to our city.

In this Q&A with SA Weekend, he talks about how he developed his following, his approach to comedy and how he fervently believes none of us really has the slightest clue as to what we’re doing.

Q: When did you realise Instagram and TikTok could spawn such a remarkable following? Talk us through how it all exploded in the first place.

A: During 2020 with a lot of time on our hands (can’t remember why …) I was seeing creators’ and comedians’ followings start to grow. It’s an amazing way to connect with people and content in places you wouldn’t usually be able to access, and IG & TT are great apps for finding the art that really speaks to you personally. Your favourite creator might live on the opposite side of the world, but they can make you laugh like no other. I had always wanted to be a comedian and create content, but was focused on my theatre career and was too shy to post on YouTube or Vine in my early 20s. At the start of 2021 I thought, it’s now or never, and if everyone hates what you upload, you aren’t going to see anyone face-to-face for another six months, so you have nothing to lose. The first character I created was a millennial in lockdown in his parents’ house (no idea where the inspiration came from) and the third or fourth video was on 10s or 1000s of views, which for posting on TikTok to no followers was very exciting.

Christopher Hall says the first character he created was a millennial in lockdown in his parents’ house. Picture: Supplied

Q: Why do you think people relate the way they do to your material, is it because we all procrastinate a little? Are we all a bit anxious?

A: I think I make such a joke out of myself that people feel safe and comfortable to laugh not only at me but maybe a little at themselves as well. We’re all a bit of a mess really, aren’t we? My delivery of my comedy is almost identical to how I chat to my friends, and one of the best things people say to me is that they laugh about my videos with their friends or they constantly share the videos in their group chat.

Q: What can those of us who are Gen X (or beyond) learn from millennials such as your good self? What may I have been missing?

A: I think the biggest takeaway I would like people to have from the show is to be able to laugh at yourself and find joy in your mess-ups or shortcomings. I always recommend therapy, or some introspection, is invaluable and I talk a lot about my experience of therapy. That’s my best message for any generation not just X. I think realising that no one really knows exactly what they’re doing in life has been a huge help in feeling confident, spontaneous and fearless enough to post online and step into stand-up.

Hall is performing at the Adelaide Fringe for the first time. Picture: Supplied

Q: What inspires you?

A: I’m inspired greatly by the funny women and queer people in my life. A lot of my comedy and confidence and power comes from their wit and strength. I love making them laugh and that has translated to a wider audience. Of course, I’m also inspired by comedic actors, TV and stand-ups I grew up watching over and over.

Q: Tell us about the collaborations with the Jonas Brothers and also Gwen Stefani?

A: We were contacted by their management and asked if we would be interested in collaborating on a video with them. Our answer was … “uumm duh”. They were so lovely and it was so exciting and also ridiculous step-clicking behind such icons. After Gwen I had to sit down on kerb outside and process what had just happened.

Q: You sold out at Edinburgh, what are you most looking forward to about our Adelaide festival?

A: I’ve never been to Adelaide, so I am very excited. I know Edinburgh very well so I think doing a long run of shows in a new city might have its challenges but I can’t wait to immerse in the festival and enjoy everything it has to offer!

Q: What’s next after Adelaide?

A: I’m heading to Melbourne and Sydney which will be fun, then the road to Edinburgh will begin. Of course, keeping up the clownery on IG and TikTok which is a full-time job in itself :)

Christopher Hall: Self Helpless, March 9-17, The May Wirth at Gluttony – Rymill Park. adelaidefringe.com.au