Lloyd Griffith is a Grimsby comedian who has performed for over a decade. He attended university with the aim of becoming a professionally trained singer, with the dream of a career in opera. After witnessing performances by comedy stars like Micky Flanagan at London comedy clubs, his plans took a turn. Captivated by the experience, he was inspired to venture into stand-up comedy himself. He is now a successful comedian who has performed in iconic venues such as the O2 Arena. He is also an actor and has appeared in the Emmy Award-winning show ‘Ted Lasso’ and the ITV series ‘Nolly’ alongside Helena Bonham Carter. Lloyd Griffith’s most recent project is his fifth UK tour, where he will perform ‘Baroque and Roll’ in cities such as Brighton and London from March to May 2024. In a recent interview, the multitalented comic discussed his upcoming tour.
Tell me about your show ‘Baroque and Roll’. What can the audience expect?
“First and foremost, it is funny. The audience will be laughing for a long time, consistently. The show is about me reaching the milestone age of forty and making a series of changes to my life, which, on paper, could be deemed as a mid-life crisis. I’m talking hair transplant and laser hair removal; it all sounds quite tragic, and again, on paper, it probably is tragic. Look, I’m having a renaissance. I’m having a rebirth, and I’m taking ownership of this. I still sing. So, I put a few little silly songs in the show.”
What made you want to include songs in your show?
“A couple of reasons; if you’ve got it, flaunt it. Every time I sing, people are like: ‘Oh my god, I can’t believe you sing, that’s weird!’ Last night, I did a gig in Lincoln, and someone genuinely thought they were playing it through the PA. That sounds very hammy, like, oh god, I’m so good. My mum was like: ‘Turn that music off’ and I was like ‘It’s not music mum, it’s me!’ That’s when I knew I was going to be a singer. I decided to put the songs in there because I can sing, and the juxtaposition of me, a burly little tubby lad from Grimsby singing quite beautifully is quite nice.”
What was it like to support Jack Whitehall’s tours?
“Jack is great. He has me on tour because a) I am funny, but b) we are mates. It means he can moan, be quiet, sulk, or cry – maybe not cry! It is nice having a friend on tour with you when you are that big. I don’t get starstruck by him anymore. That wore off after week two. When you have shared toilets for five years, you become accustomed to each other. With the actual gigs themselves, I know that I am in a very fortunate position. Not many people get to play those huge arenas. To be able to go with someone and do those shows is brilliant.”
What made you want to bring your show to Brighton?
“I’ve done Brighton loads of times. I love it. When I was getting into stand-up comedy, Komedia in Brighton was known as one of the best clubs in the country. So, for me, that was like an aim. I was lucky enough to be able to perform at Komedia. The crowds in Brighton are always well up for a great night out.”
Lloyd Griffith: Baroque and Roll is coming to The Forge in Brighton on Sunday, March 3, 2024.
