Comedian Slim on his Guide to Life: “I know how to navigate myself in this industry, that’s why I’ve been in it for so long”

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I have to say, it’s pretty rare to hear a comedian really dig deep and reflect on their whole life just to make you laugh, but that’s exactly what Slim’s done with his new show for BBC Radio 4. It’s a really interesting approach, and I’m excited to hear what he’s come up with.

Slim’s latest six-episode series, Slim’s Guide to Life, adds to his already remarkable career. He was the first Black British comedian to sell out London’s Palladium with a solo performance and is now recognized as a pioneer of Black British comedy.

After performing for audiences worldwide, Slim is now looking back on his life and career with his signature humor. He shares stories ranging from becoming a father as a teenager to his time driving a London bus. In a conversation with TopMob for Pass the Mic, he says he’s “happy and excited to see how everything turns out.”

He says it’s a valuable experience because it makes you reflect on your life. He believes people naturally do this about every ten years, looking back at the previous decade to assess their progress and see if they’ve achieved their goals. He particularly enjoyed revisiting his earlier years.

So, what’s it been like writing a script for the radio that’s all about your life? Slim says it’s been a really healing process, and a great way to reach new listeners – something he feels comfortable doing after years in the industry.

How did you go about crafting Slim’s Guide to Life – what was the writing process like?

I initially thought I had a lot of existing content, but I quickly realized I needed to create most of it from scratch. It was actually a pleasant experience revisiting and building upon older work – everything I used was at least twenty years old – and I really enjoyed working on the project.

Was it cathartic to revisit those early years of your life?

Yes, definitely. Now that we’re grown up, it was lovely to look back on my happy childhood. It’s amazing how certain events bring back forgotten memories – you suddenly remember things and think, ‘Oh, right!’ I really enjoyed the experience.

How was it working with a script editor for this radio project?

I would write out my material, and then we’d revise it, cutting out anything unnecessary. Because I perform stand-up comedy, I have more freedom than radio, so while we still needed to refine things, it worked well.

I realize performing for the radio is likely a different experience than your usual improv and stand-up. Was it strange being in one place while doing it?

We filmed the show with a live audience, so the laughter you hear isn’t added in later. We did it at the Up the Creek Comedy Club. Performing in front of people was a new experience for me. Since it’s a radio show, I had to deliver my lines as if the audience couldn’t see what I was doing on stage – I needed to make sure everything came across clearly on the radio. Overall, it wasn’t difficult, just a bit different.

You’re known as a pioneer of Black British comedy. How did you balance making the series funny with also sharing meaningful reflections on your life and career?

I’ve always experienced quirky, funny things throughout my life, starting when I was young. Many people know my public persona, but they don’t know the details of my personal history, particularly from my childhood. Looking back and reflecting on the past 50 years has been a wonderful experience. It’s not something many people take the time to do – it’s like reviewing an entire lifetime! I found it really exciting, and I think listeners will enjoy what I’ve created.

Radio reaches a different audience, and some people may be discovering your work for the first time. What’s it like to think you might be gaining a whole new group of fans?

That’s fantastic news, and it will really help my career. Attracting new fans is key to staying relevant, so I’m grateful for everyone who enjoys my comedy and supports me.

You’ve had a fantastic 20-year career and witnessed many changes in the comedy world. How do you feel the industry has changed over time, particularly when it comes to diversity and opportunities for Black British comedians?

Traditionally, new comedians would hone their skills at small pub comedy nights. Now, most young comics are discovered through social media and the internet, where they share their material directly with audiences.

Comedy is changing. Nowadays, many people are building comedy careers through social media. It’s definitely evolved a lot in the last decade, and I think that’s a good thing. It means people who can’t easily get to shows can still enjoy a laugh from the comfort of their own homes.

The comedy world has really shifted, and a lot of comedians didn’t return to performing after the pandemic. Like any industry, it’s constantly evolving. As someone who’s been doing comedy for a while, I just try to stay current and relevant.

Social media has made it easier for anyone to get involved in comics, and that’s generally a positive thing. Do you think this increased accessibility is leading to a wider variety of stories and comics being created right now?

Of course! Everyone finds different things funny, so it’s important to have a diverse group of comedians. You need performers who can appeal to a wide range of tastes – some might be silly and quirky, while others specialize in darker, more edgy humor.

As a huge fan of British comedy, I’ve been thinking a lot about who gets to make us laugh. Honestly, while I’ve definitely noticed more variety in recent years, I’m not sure we’re there yet. I think there’s still a real need to actively support and encourage new voices from all backgrounds – it’s not enough to just see some improvements, we need to keep pushing for truly diverse representation both on and off screen.

Things are getting better – it’s not like we haven’t seen any Black representation on television – but there are still people in power who control who gets opportunities in this industry. I’m not sure how TV executives decide who to support and promote, and honestly, I try not to dwell on it. I’ve seen comedians get really stressed out trying to figure it out, and it affects their work. It’s frustrating, because this job was supposed to be something I enjoyed and got paid for!

Having worked in this business for a while, I’ve seen a lot, and I know how things operate. Honestly, while I’d love to see more diversity on mainstream television, what’s really interesting is what’s happening around it. People are building their own audiences and making money directly through platforms like YouTube and social media – they’re cutting out the traditional gatekeepers. It feels like the industry is often late to the party, scrambling to catch up with talent that’s already made a name for itself elsewhere. They’re missing out, plain and simple.

Looking back, what does it mean to you that you were the first Black British comedian to sell out the London Palladium as a solo performer, and how do you feel about that accomplishment now?

Achieving that goal felt amazing, but in this industry, you’re always focused on what’s next. I definitely took a moment to appreciate it, but I quickly shifted my attention forward. It means a lot to those who have followed my career to see me performing at such a famous and historic venue – it’s incredible to think about how far I’ve come, from small gigs in Brockley to a major stage in the West End.

I felt a lot of pride and love from my fans, and that meant a lot to me. Performing at a prestigious venue like the Palladium felt like a deserved step up. I knew I could deliver a fantastic show there, with a great audience, and it was an unforgettable night. But I’m already looking ahead – what’s the next challenge?

What are you hoping that people get from Slim’s Guide to Life?

I’m really just a regular person who grew up like everyone else, facing the same challenges – a single-parent home, sibling rivalry, and the ups and downs of friendships. I’ve worked hard to get where I am today, and I hope people will both laugh at and connect with my story.

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Slim’s Guide to Life premieres on BBC Radio 4 on Wednesday 18 February at 11pm.

Authors

Morgan CormackDrama Writer

Morgan Cormack writes about TV and streaming drama for TopMob. Before that, she was an Entertainment Writer at Stylist. She also has experience in content marketing and freelancing, and holds a BA degree in English Literature.

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2026-02-18 19:09