Josh Thomas has a gift for finding the funny in things people might struggle to say out loud. In Please Like Me, the Australian comedian, writer, and actor turned the awkward business of growing up, coming out, and navigating family mental illness into television that could make you laugh and break your heart in the same episode. Everything’s Gonna Be Okay brought that same instinct to grief, sexuality, and the complicated business of looking after other people. His characters could be selfish, loving, embarrassing, and uncomfortably recognisable, often within the same conversation.

Now he’s bringing Jiggle Jiggle to London’s Underbelly Boulevard from 4–8 November, with the promise of an hour of happy, silly stand-up. There are magic tricks involved, although his answers below suggest that keeping the world’s misery out of a comedy show is easier promised than delivered. What he does relish is the pleasure of a room full of people laughing together, with their phones briefly out of the equation.

As he prepares for the UK leg of his tour, Josh answers 1883’s 18 Questions, taking in an eventful encounter with a cow, an unexpected Jon Ronson obsession, and the responsibility of having your signature permanently attached to somebody else’s body.

What’s one exciting thing that happened to you this week?

I went to the North Carolina State Fair and milked my first cow, and the cow kicked me! I’ve never felt so alive. I respect that cow taking a stand – even if I had paid $5, that shouldn’t give me the right.

What’s the best thing you’ve read recently?

I stumbled on this book and really loved it, and it was by Jon Ronson – who I’d never heard of – and I thought, ‘I wonder if he has any other books.’ Guys – he has so many other books. Extremely famous books. The Men Who Stare at Goats, The Psychopath Test, etc., etc., etc. His voice has been the soundtrack of my life for weeks. He’s started narrating my dreams.

Favourite memory growing up?

Once during tee-ball, I caught the ball and got someone out. Maybe the only ball I’ve ever caught? All slow motion like in the movies.

Where was the last place you travelled to?

I was in Tampa, Florida, this morning. At the moment, I’m in Minneapolis. I have nothing to report about either.

What was the last thing that made you laugh?

Oh, this is embarrassing to admit, but it was something Donald Trump did in a clip. A really weird noise, a new noise I’d never heard anyone make before. So startling, I laughed out loud. He’s so fucking weird, I can’t look away. He still finds ways to make me laugh, even after all these years.

Also, my boyfriend was so funny on the phone today. He woke up with a real case of the sillies.

What’s your nighttime ritual?

Just in bed scrolling, scrolling, scrolling. I know those nerds tell you not to look at your phone before bed, but what do they think our options are? It’s either look at the phone or remember regrettable choices I’ve made in this life. No thanks! I’ll take my chances with the blue light. I’ve seen the sky!

Who would be on your dream dinner party guest list?

My dog. I miss my dog.

Or – if you insist on me choosing a person – I’d choose someone evil. I’ve done enough small talk with cuties in my life. I want to experience evil. Ghislaine Maxwell? I’ve got some questions.

Favourite quote from a film or TV show?

When Liza Minnelli’s Sally Bowles gets asked why she got the abortion and she says, ‘One of my whims?’

I guess it isn’t really a quotable quote, but it’s so devastating and perfect.

Also, you really can’t beat, ‘I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.’

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

The theme song from The Nanny.

Favourite item in your wardrobe?

I bought this stupidly expensive coat years ago, when I was RICH with my American TV show, doing press in New York winter. I live in Australia now, where it isn’t cold, and I don’t have an American TV show, and I’m really jazzed to get to wear it again this tour!

You’re promising an hour of happy, silly stand-up with Jiggle Jiggle. What made that the show you wanted to make right now?

I did promise that, didn’t I? I regret promising it! I just was feeling quite overwhelmed by all the sad news all the time coming at me from my phone, and I guess this show is sort of me trying to figure out how to process that.

You’ve brought magic tricks into this show. What’s been the most entertaining part of learning them?

They just really delight people! It’s just pure playtime. I’ve started half-lying to strangers and telling them I’m a magician instead of a comedian, and their eyes light up!

After creating and starring in Please Like Me and Everything’s Gonna Be Okay, what do you particularly enjoy about being back in a room with a live audience?

You can’t really beat being in a comedy show when it’s really working and everyone is laughing and gasping. Stand-up still feels very analogue, a nice reprieve from this era of phone-slop.

With Jiggle Jiggle coming to Underbelly Boulevard this November, how will you celebrate your first London show?

Do they still do Porn Idol at Heaven?

Please Like Me means a lot to queer viewers. What’s an encounter with a fan of the show that has stayed with you?

Sometimes I have real proper mincing poofs tell me that Please Like Me contributed to them being gay, and I think, no, no, no, absolutely not. All of that came from within them. I take no responsibility.

Once a person got my signature tattooed to them, and I think about them all the time. It’s too much responsibility. What if I turn into a monster? There’s probably heaps of people with Harvey Weinstein-adjacent tattoos out there!

Has understanding your ADHD and autism changed what you give yourself permission to do on stage?

It creates a bit of shorthand (excuse?) for the audience to understand why I make some of the choices I make in my life… but I don’t really think it’s changed what I’m willing to do on stage. I’ve always been an extreme oversharer.

What’s one thing you always need with you backstage before a gig?

Caffeine, vodka, Coke full-sugar. Let’s get ready to rumble.

Finally, what is something you would like to manifest for yourself, and why?

Being able to enjoy going for a walk. Everyone says you get endorphins, but I’ve never found them.

Josh Thomas is touring the UK as part of a global tour. For tickets and more information please visit joshthomas.com.au/#dates

Intro and Questions by Nick Barr

Photography by Jess Gleeson