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James Dowdeswell

Writer & Comedian
  • Full member
  • Writing jokes about beer!
  • London
  • Camra, Equity
  • I'm a stand-up comedian, turned professional in 2000, as seen on Russell Howard's Good News and Ricky Gervais' Extras.

What is the one thing you'd like to tell visitors to the Guild's website?

Craft Beer Comedian. Currently touring “Beers Of A Clown,” the comedy show all about beer.

Highlights include performing at Brew York twice, Moor Brewery, Westerham Brewery, the Alma Tavern Theatre in Bristol, and the Nottingham Beer Festival.

Awarding winning comedian, beer influencer and author of  “The Pub Manifesto” A Comedian Stands Up For Pubs”

What you can offer as a writer/beer lover?

A comedic angle on beer.

What do you like most about being a Guild of Beer Writers member?

Interacting with like-minded beer and pub writers, and benefitting from their broad spectrum of knowledge.

Pieces of work by James:

  • The Pub Manifesto

    The Pub Manifesto: A Comedian Stands Up For Pubs.

    Published by Camra Books in 2018.

    18 pubs close per week in the UK. Award-winning stand-up and pub aficionado James Dowdeswell who grew up in a West Country pub believes humour is the best way to make the plight of the pub public and to generate a response. To source the roots of the problem and to help crystalise what makes the perfect pub, James dissects, discusses and waxes lyrical on every aspect of pub culture. Dowdeswell s conversational prose style means reading this book is like sitting down with the author and discussing your ultimate pub over a beer. He champions many quirks and causes including Interior design; Pub toilets; Beer, both real and crafty; Wine in pubs; Soft drinks and the designated driver; Pub games & entertainment; Pub dogs and other animals and more. It concludes with his own take on George Orwell s Moon Under Water essay and a call to arms.

  • Beers Of A Clown

    My latest show “Beers Of A Clown” is a hilarious journey into beer. It has been a huge hit with every show sold out in 2024. Highlights include performing at Brew York twice, Moor Brewery, Westerham Brewery and the Alma Tavern Theatre in Bristol.

    The show charts my beer journey, from growing up in a West Country pub, drinking cask ale, discovering craft beer, beer influencing and finally producing his own beer.