Rosie Jones on joining Taskmaster, battling online abuse and navigating comedy

As a lifelong movie buff who’s seen more comedy specials and sitcom episodes than I can count, I must say that Rosie Jones is nothing short of a hilarious powerhouse. Her journey into comedy, fueled by her wit and resilience, is as inspiring as it is amusing.

Rosie Jones primarily gained recognition through her career as both a stand-up performer and comedy scriptwriter. Her versatile talent has been showcased across various programs, ranging from The Last Leg, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Celebrity Mastermind, to Call the Midwife.

At present, she’s appearing on television screens in Taskmaster season 18, sharing the spotlight with entertainers such as Jack Dee and Babatunde Aléshé.

In this conversation, I engage with TopMob, recounting my path into the realm of humor, voicing my stance against internet harassment, and discussing my role as a scriptwriter for Netflix’s Sex Education series.

What’s the view from your sofa?

In a compact apartment that I call home, purchasing it was a significant milestone for me. Ever since I had the means to own property, I’ve dreamed of having a space overflowing with books. Now, as I sit on my sofa, I’m surrounded by floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with my beloved collection, and naturally, there’s also a TV on one of them for occasional entertainment.

What have you enjoyed watching recently?

I primarily spent the majority of yesterday engrossed in the Australian comedy series titled “Deadloch,” available on Amazon Prime Video. This show revolves around a string of murders set against the backdrop of a peaceful town in Tasmania. It’s hysterical, flamboyant, and remarkably clever.

Who controls the remote in your household?

I’ve been independent for an entire year now, and I absolutely adore it because it offers me some personal time. A significant part of my contentment comes from being at home, lounging in front of the television, enjoying whatever program catches my fancy. However, I must confess that I have a tendency to be meticulous, even when sharing living spaces with others; thus, I would manage the TV remote.

When did you first realise that you wanted to go into comedy?

As a movie enthusiast who’s lived with a disability, I’ve often found humor to be my ally in navigating stares from others. I realized that by turning their gaze into a moment of laughter, I was essentially reclaiming the power – making the reason for their attention something I determined and controlled.

In the most recent season of Taskmaster, you’ll be going head-to-head with Jack Dee, Babatunde Aléshé, Andy Zaltzman, and Emma Sidi. What an exhilarating sensation it must be to be part of such a distinguished group of comedy luminaries!

Truly remarkable. I’ve always disliked being treated with pity due to my disability. However, Alex [Horne] ensured I felt valued and engaged. Performing in a show I’ve admired for years, without feeling my disability was an issue at all, was simply amazing.

Am I a R*tard?” on Channel 4 focused on internet bullying and discrimination against individuals with disabilities, known as ableism. Can you tell me what motivated you to create this program?

Initially, when I made my TV debut, I was taken aback by the volume of negativity I encountered online. The criticism ranged from my appearance, voice, weight, facial features, humor, disability, and sexuality. At first, it seemed inappropriate to complain about the abuse, feeling that I was somehow inviting the hostility and should simply endure it with gratitude for my platform. However, as my self-assurance grew, I came to realize that I had a voice and could address instances of abuse without fearing the potential loss of my career.

Is it common for abusive language that stereotypes or demeans people with disabilities to go unchallenged, while racist and sexist slurs are often met with condemnation? In your opinion, what adjustments should be made to bring about a change in this dynamic?

Many individuals are unaware of the term “ableism,” and unfortunately, that includes some disabled people like myself, who only came across it five years ago. I’ve experienced it daily without realizing it, as I lacked the vocabulary to describe it. It’s essential for everyone to understand what ableism entails and have the courage to challenge it whenever they witness it.

What were your objectives regarding representation when you were a writer for the Netflix series, Sex Education?

In the first season, there wasn’t much representation for characters with disabilities. When creating the character Isaac in the writers’ room, I aimed to introduce a complex, flawed character who also happened to have a disability. It’s important to note that having a disability doesn’t define a person’s personality; they can be multifaceted and imperfect just like everyone else.

Do you see comedy as a medium of education and a way to bring taboo topics to the masses?

100% is often expressed as “completely” or “totally.” Many people suggest to me, “You should become a politician,” but I always reply, “No,” because I feel that I can achieve greater influence through being a comedian. In the guise of humor, I truly believe that my audience resonates with me, interacts with me, and learns more than if they were listening to, say, a politician delivering a lecture.

2024-09-16 18:36

Read More