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Richard Gadd, though now recognized worldwide, has been diligently building his career for over a decade. His comedic journey began with shows like “Monkey See Monkey Do,” performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2016, which delved into his complex relationship with masculinity after experiencing trauma similar to that depicted in Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer.”
However, a stand-up routine dating back to 2011, recently resurfaced on TikTok, showcases Gadd’s early vulnerability and introspection in comedy. Titled “Diary Of An Open Spot,” the routine was part of the 2011 edition of the National Theatre of Scotland’s Five Minute Theatre and is available on YouTube.
In this performance, Gadd opens up about the vulnerability inherent in being a comedian. He recounts a raunchy joke edited to meet BBC standards for a comedy event, which ultimately fell flat, highlighting the struggles and frustrations of his comedic career.
The essence of Gadd’s desire for validation through comedy, as seen in “Baby Reindeer,” resonates throughout this earlier routine. He articulates the personal nature of comedy, the dichotomy between confidence and vulnerability, and the challenges of striving for perfection in an inherently subjective art form.
Despite setbacks, Gadd’s passion for comedy remains unwavering. In a poignant moment, he muses about his future in comedy, expressing hope to continue making people laugh and predicting a future where his voice reaches a broad audience, perhaps even on a platform like BBC Radio 1.
Remarkably, Gadd’s predictions came true sooner than expected, with his success on Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer” solidifying his place in the comedy landscape and garnering widespread acclaim for his insightful and groundbreaking storytelling.