The Resilience of Storytelling: A Conversation with Sara Pascoe on her Debut Novel and the Dynamics of Cancel Culture in the #MeToo Era

Sara Pascoe on her Debut Novel and Exploring Taboo Topics

In an interview with Jessie Thompson for The Independent, stand-up comedian and author Sara Pascoe discusses her debut novel, Weirdo, and her experiences in the comedy industry. Pascoe shares her thoughts on writing a novel that defies expectations, the challenges faced by female comedians, and the importance of addressing sensitive issues in comedy.

Challenging Expectations and Writing Candidly

Pascoe admits that she initially had concerns about whether editors would be open to her novel idea, which involved discussing topics like haemorrhoids and menstruation. Seeking advice from author and journalist Dolly Alderton, Pascoe decided to write without worrying about others’ expectations. The result is Weirdo, a charmingly offbeat novel that delves into the mind of its main character, Sophie, who experiences a mix of depressing thoughts and life-changing encounters.

Pascoe embraces honesty and aims to tackle the thoughts we keep to ourselves. She explains that she wanted to explore the unspoken aspects of life and capture the realistic thoughts that often go unsaid. Sophie’s inner dialogue includes thoughts about changing her life, giving up drinking, and finding meaning through various activities.

Embracing Sensitivity in Comedy

Pascoe emphasizes the importance of sensitivity in comedy and recognizes that contemporary comedy should reflect the growing empathy in society. She posits that audiences no longer accept jokes that target specific groups of people, as they can relate those jokes to friends or family members. Pascoe believes that comedy should avoid bullying and should foster inclusivity instead.

She acknowledges that cancel culture has become a popular topic in recent years but finds humor in the idea. Pascoe suggests that cancel culture is “funny” because, ultimately, very few people have been truly “cancelled.” She also finds amusement in political figures like Boris Johnson and Donald Trump, viewing their antics as silly rather than truly impactful.

The Challenges Faced by Female Comedians

Pascoe addresses the difficulties faced by female comedians, particularly in relation to sexual predators within the industry. While she doesn’t reveal specifics, she mentions that she and fellow comedian Katherine Ryan have spoken out against an alleged predator in the comedy world. They have grappled with the challenges of confronting such behavior and have attempted to create a supportive environment for victims.

Pascoe highlights the difficulty of accusing or naming a predator without concrete proof due to libel laws. She believes that the industry should provide better support for victims and create a safe space where individuals can share their experiences. By offering support and believing victims, Pascoe hopes that survivors will feel empowered to come forward.

Advice for Contemporary Comedians

Pascoe encourages contemporary comedians to consider their impact and the potential consequences of their jokes. She appreciates the current climate that encourages comedians to evaluate their work and question whether they are “punching up or down.” Pascoe stresses the importance of creating comedy that doesn’t perpetuate harm or promote negative stereotypes.

All in all, Pascoe’s candid and thoughtful approach to comedy, both in her writing and her stand-up performances, demonstrates her commitment to creating comedy that is inclusive, sensitive, and reflective of the changing times.