Jacob Nussey is an award winning stand-up comedian from Mansfield who quickly established himself on the comedy circuit, being named West Didsbury Comedy Festival New Act of the Year in 2022, Chortle’s One to Watch 2023 and going on to win Bury Met Comedian of the Year in 2024. He’s also won Beat the Frog (at the Frog & Bucket) and Beat the Gong (at Stockton ARC) and made the finals of Leicester Square Theatre Comedian of the Year and the semi-finals of British Comedian of the Year and So You Think You’re Funny? competitions. In 2023 he was part of the ‘Best in Class’ showcase at the Fringe. 

August sees him return to the Fringe with his debut hour, ‘Primed’. We spoke to Jacob about the show, whether Amazon warehouses are really that bad, and coming to the Fringe for the routine. 

Can you tell us about ‘Primed’?

Primed is my debut stand-up show, it’s all about my experience of working at an Amazon warehouse. So there’s a lot of jokes at their expense! We all use Amazon, and most people have an idea in their head of what it’s like. Hopefully I can surprise people a little bit.

Just how bad was working in an Amazon warehouse? Are the horror stories true?

I’ve been doing previews and a few times people have audibly gasped at stories. I don’t know if it’s because I worked there for a while, but their reaction surprised me.  You’ll have to see my show to get the stories though.

For those unfamiliar with your work, how would you describe your comedy style and approach to performance?

If you like dry humour, you’ll like me. I’m definitely quite deadpan, which is a bit of an understatement. But first and foremost it’s about the jokes. I tend to draw from everyday situations, but I try to come at it from an unexpected angle. It’s the best feeling when you find your own twist on something people can relate to.

 You were at the Fringe in 2023 as part of the ‘Best in Class’ showcase. How was that as an experience?

It was great! But it was definitely a big learning curve for me. It was my first time at the Fringe, my first time in Edinburgh, my first time flyering. 

It was a good way to be introduced to the Fringe. It made it feel less overwhelming. I honestly don’t think I’d be doing my debut this year if it wasn’t for ‘Best in Class’. 

‘Primed,’ is your debut full-length Edinburgh show. What are your hopes and expectations for the month?

My main hope is to put on a really good show. If audiences leave happy, then I’m happy. I’m naturally pessimistic, so I don’t want to go in with too many expectations. I just hope my heart is prepared for the amount of cholesterol I’ll be building up.

Apart from your show, is there anything you’re particularly looking forward to (or dreading) about the Fringe?

I love watching other people’s shows. Seeing something different to my own stuff and out of my comfort zone is when I feel most inspired.

It’ll be nice to have a proper routine. I’m sharing a flat with 11 other acts for the month. That’ll be fun, if not a bit chaotic. 

Beside ‘Primed’, can we expect to see you performing elsewhere during August?

I’ll be doing as many compilation shows as I can! I’ll post on my social media where I’ll be.

Are there any other acts at the Fringe that you would recommend audiences see? 

Lots! Phil Ellis is one of my favourite acts on the circuit, he is hilarious. His shows are always original, I’d recommend him every time. Dan Rath, he’s such an incredible joke writer. 

Also go and support ‘Best in Class’! It’s an amazing line up. If you look at who’s taken part previously, they’ve gone on to do big things. You’ll get bragging rights getting to see those acts earlier on in their career.

‘Primed‘ is at Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker Three from Wed 30 Jul to Mon 25 Aug 2025 at 19:15