Last year Dave won an award who's title felt like a back-handed compliment. That led to a crisis of confidence and an exploration of what success really looks like. As seen on BBC, ITV and Channel 4. As heard on Radio 1, Radio 2 and Radio 4.

August 16, 2024    On the Mic

In the age of AI, is it possible to review a show without actually seeing it?

Dave Chawner agreed to send me a recording of his show, 6 Steps To Success From The “Award Winning” Dave Chawner along with the Press Release. I then fed both to ChatGPT, with instructions to create a three hundred word review.

Below is the AI review of the show performed on 2nd August. It is published in full and unedited. I withheld publishing until I’d seen the show in person. It’s a good, if oddly written review, which I broadly endorse. Humans will really enjoy the show. The star rating is mine.

We urgently need to have a conversation about the impact of AI on reviewing, and its wider implications for comedy and the arts.

Martin Walker

Dave Chawner’s latest show, “6 Steps To Success,” is a refreshing dive into the world of self-improvement with a comedic twist. Presented at The Counting House during the Edinburgh Fringe 2024, this free, unticketed show draws on Chawner’s own life experiences, blending humour with poignant reflections on mental health and the concept of success.

Chawner, an award-winning comedian, mental health campaigner, and author, takes the audience on a journey through his crisis of confidence sparked by receiving an ironically titled award. This experience serves as the backdrop for his exploration of what success truly means in a world obsessed with positivity and self-improvement. The show is cleverly structured around six steps that promise to deliver success, happiness, and fulfilment, all while questioning the unrealistic expectations set by society.

The performance is packed with Chawner’s signature “darkly funny” humour, which Broadway World praises for its ability to tackle weighty topics with a light touch. His insights into toxic positivity and imposter syndrome resonate deeply, offering a cathartic release for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by societal pressures. Chawner’s comedic style shines through as he navigates topics like wellness trends, the absurdity of self-help mantras, and his personal anecdotes with a sharp wit and genuine relatability.

A standout segment involves Chawner’s reflections on his work as a suicide prevention trainer and Lived Experience Researcher. This adds a layer of authenticity and depth to his comedy, making the audience feel both entertained and enlightened. His ability to intertwine personal struggles with broader societal issues, all while maintaining a humorous narrative, is truly commendable.

“6 Steps To Success” is more than just a comedy show; it’s an insightful commentary on the pressures of modern life, delivered by a performer who has mastered the art of using humour to heal and connect. Dave Chawner’s blend of comedy and mental health advocacy makes this show a must-see at the Fringe, promising an evening of laughter, reflection, and perhaps even a few steps towards true success. Click Here For Review

June 4, 2024   Theatre Weekly

Theatre Weekly - An Interview With Dave Chawner

Award-winning comedian, mental health campaigner and author Dave Chawner will return to Edinburgh Fringe 2024 with a brand new show, ‘6 Steps To Success From The “Award Winning” Dave Chawner’. Running from 1st August to 25th August at The Counting House, the afternoon show starting at 6:15pm is free and unticketed (pay on donation).

Last year Dave won an award whose title felt like a back-handed compliment. That led to a crisis of confidence and an exploration of what ‘success’ really means; “After all, everybody gets Imposter Syndrome…right? We all feel like a teenager trapped in the body of an adult…don’t we?”.

Alongside his work on the stage, Dave’s credits include hosting the BBC series ‘Tomorrow’s World’, appearing as a regular guest on ITV and Channel 4, and on prime shows including BBC Breakfast and Lorraine, which have made him a regular on Good Morning Britain.

With ‘6 Steps To Success From The “Award Winning” Dave Chawner’, the comedian questions toxic positivity, asking; “Why is no one talking about this? And, why, if you do, are you made to feel like you’re the only one? Or (perhaps worse) you’re just told that you need to ‘manifest more’ or ‘to be more positive’”.

The #1 best-selling author will answer these questions and more during the show, in which the “hilariously entertaining” comedian – as defined by Mail on Sunday – will share 6 steps to success, happiness, healthiness and complete fulfilment in life.

Dave’s work as a suicide prevention trainer and ‘Lived Experience Researcher’ – working to improve NHS Mental Health services – has given him the tools to tackle weighty topics using his signature comedy style called “darkly funny” by Broadway World.

Known for his “banter-rich performance” – according to the Edinburgh Reporter – alongside his “sharp, insightful, touching, but above all really, really funny,” material as described by Three Weeks Edinburgh – Dave’s impeccable zest for playing with words is well documented in his remarkable book, “Weight Expectations: One Man’s Recovery from Anorexia”.

His first Edinburgh show, ‘Normally Abnormal’, used humour to explore his own experience with anorexia sensitively. Well-received by critics – a run of sold-out performances lead to a sold out UK tour and the recognition of its impact with an award The UK Eating Disorder Charity at The House of Parliament and the delivery of a viral TED Talk.

Collaborating with academics from four of the most important public research universities in Britain, including King’s College London, Dave is developing a stand-up comedy course for mental health patients. Backed by the NHS, the project won an award from The British Academy. Click Here For Article

June 1, 2024   Edinburgh Magazine

Edinburgh Magazine - Dave Chawner's New Show About 'Success'

 Click Here For Article