Jen Brister’s critically-acclaimed show ‘The Optimist’ is to be released as a special on 21st of November 2023. Produced and distributed by 800 Pound Gorilla Media, the special will be available to watch on their website as part of a “name your own price” offer. This will also include a free digital audio album of Jen’s ‘Under Privilege’ comedy special. ‘The Optimist’ special will then be available on 800 Pound Gorilla Media’s Youtube Channel on 14th of December.
If middle age has taught Jen Brister anything, it’s that optimism does not come naturally to her. In her new stand-up special, ‘The Optimist’, will Jen work against her natural instincts and finally see the light? Covering everything from a camping trip with her walkie-talkie wielding twins, being bewildered (irritated, at best) by the vagina candle flogging wellness pioneer Gwyneth Paltrow, to becoming an evangelical sea swimmer much to the chagrin of her friends. Will Jen stay the same old pessimistic naysayer she’s always been? I mean, I think we know the answer to that, but let’s try and be optimistic.
Jen Brister is a critically-acclaimed stand-up comedian and writer who has been seen on BBC's Live at the Apollo, Frankie Boyle's New World Order, QI and Mock the Week. She is a regular performer on the UK and international comedy circuits and has written seven solo shows which she has performed at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival and toured extensively around the UK. Her book, a comedy memoir, ‘The Other Mother’ was published by Square Peg in 2019.
Jen's stand up show ‘Meaningless' can be streamed on Amazon Prime, Soho Comedy Live, Next Up, while her special 'Waves' for BBC Radio 4 can be streamed on BBC Sounds. She is also the co-writer, alongside Rosie Jones, of a brand new comedy short ‘Past Caring’ which aired on SKY TV this year.
Jen is the co-host of two smash-hit podcasts, ‘WTB’ (Women Talking Bollocks) with comedian pals Maureen Younger and Allyson June Smith, and ‘Memory Lane’ with fellow comedian Kerry Godliman. Both can be heard on Acast, Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.
