Comedian Robyn Perkins hosts chat show for the cannabis-curious

Award-winning comic, Robyn Perkins will seek to answer some of the big questions about cannabis on her science-comedy chat show this week.

Comedian and host Robyn Perkins combines science with stand-up every Sunday when her online chat show Comedy for the Curious goes live on Zoom.

On Sunday 11 April, the Sydney Fringe Comedy Award Winner will turn her attention to cannabis, researching the plan in a bid to cover everything from horticulture to neuroscience.

Perkins will use her scientific background and interest in philosophy, to answer questions, such as – what is the difference between hemp and cannabis? Smoking and vaping? And should it be legal? 

After two successful tours around the UK and Australia, Perkins launched Comedy for the Curious in June 2020.

Its unique format keeps both comics and audience engaged throughout the hour, switching between science comedy, stand-up comedy, chat and interactive games.

Each show has its own topic and two new stand-up guests, with past shows covering big subjects such as love, hate, bisexuality, autism, conspiracy theories, drugs and alcohol, imposter syndrome and the class system.

This week, guest comics Jacob Hawley, who presented the BBC’s Jacob Hawley: On Drugs and Erich McElroy of Sky News and American Exchange, will deliver light-hearted topical and personal sets about cannabis, followed by a virtual quiz game where they face off against the crowd.  

Originally from the US, Perkins has been making people laugh since 2011, hosting clubs across the UK and since her Edinburgh Fringe debut, has performed at a number of top international festivals.

She also has a Masters from the University of Harvard and is a board member for the Ocean Matters charity.

“The show is about bringing people together who are passionate, says Perkins.

“Everyone involved is passionate about learning and positive about cannabis, so this is an opportunity to find out a little bit more about it.

“I will talk about the history of cannabis and the horticultural aspects of how it’s grown and the different varieties, and then I’ll shift into the neurological side of things and what actually happens in your brain when you consume it.”

Perkins hopes the format will provide an opportunity for people to learn more about the plant and maybe even shift some perspectives.

“In general when people are laughing their guards are down, they are more receptive to hearing information when they’re being entertained,” she adds.

“On a Sunday night people don’t really want to go to a lecture, but this is more accessible. I think people will remember it more when they are laughing.”

Comedy for the Curious: Weed will take place on Sunday 11 April at 8pm on Zoom. For more information and tickets visit www.robynperkins.com/curious. 

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