03.07.11 Josie Long
Josie Long spent her early life in Orpington, South East London and began performing stand-up comedy at the ridiculously young age of 14. At 17 she won the BBC New Comedy Awards, but when she was accepted to Oxford University she put her stand up career on hold. She read English Language and Literature at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford but the call of performing proved too strong and Josie ran experimental comedy clubs during her studies.
After graduating, she returned to live stand up with full force, supporting Stewart Lee on his Spring 2005 tour, and round that time tour she contributed sketches and one-liners to BBC Radio One's comedy show,The Milk Run.
That same year Josie began publishing a free fanzine, Drawing Moustaches In Magazines Monthly Magazine, which has featured contributions from Robin Ince, Kevin Eldon, Stewart Lee, Danielle Wardand Isy Suttie.
What sets Josie apart from many acts is her infectious enthusiasm for the seemingly insignificant and trivial things in life, but she always infuses this rather whimsical style with fiercely intelligent observations and cutting put downs - never let it be said that Josie doesn't have an edge!
Josie's 2010 show Be Honourable earnt her an Edinbugh Comedy Award nomination alongside Russell Kane (who won), Greg Davies, Bo Burnham and Sarah Millican. It was the first time two female comedians had been nominated for the award.