Comedian's sacking story led to Fringe success

A former software salesman turned comedian has said including the story of being fired in his routine led directly to his success.

Adam Flood admitted his previous boss was "quite right to get rid" of him once comedy distracted him from his work in the summer of 2023.

Since then, he has performed on a nationwide tour, appeared at the Melbourne Fringe Festival and has now begun his second stint at the Edinburgh Fringe.

The Stoke-on-Trent comedian said including the tale of his dismissal "made the show do well, I got nominated for an award and I got an agent.”

Speaking of his current run at the Fringe, Mr Flood said: “The rooms are full, the show’s going well - I’m waiting for everything to collapse on top of me.”

For the last six months he has worked on a routine which includes themes of emotional repression, delusion and his father’s secret TripAdvisor alter ego.

“It’s been getting a good reaction so far. I just want people to come and see it and give them a little taste of Staffordshire.”

Mr Flood will be joined by fellow Staffordshire performers treading the boards at the world-renowned festival.

Stonall sisters Ellie and Charlotte Ball will stage an original horror play called The Red Room, based on a short story by H.G. Wells.

Stoke-on-Trent actors Karina Essery and Steven Powell will perform a comedy called Let's Talk About Sex.

Mrs Essery said the play was very relatable to couples who have "got into routines" and were looking to "add spice to their love life."

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