– March Update – Benny Shakes
Well, it’s been a while since I’ve done one of these, as I’ve been quite busy trying to earn as much money as possible so I don’t have to leave my property. But here we go.
At the beginning of March, I went back to Hull to do some more Blue Badge Bunch shows — and that was amazing. We did four libraries in two days with small children, and the feedback was fantastic.
We even got the awkward questions:
“How do you live?”
“How do you drive?”
“Do you have carers?”
And that’s what it’s all about — educating the next generation. Future builders, architects, carers, employers — so when they grow up, they don’t judge a book by its cover and can see disabled people for what they can do.
I haven’t been gigging as much as I’d like, but on the 6th of March, I did something I never thought I’d do again — I went to Leicester to film some short films with college students.
And honestly, it was great to get my teeth back into acting again. I’m really looking forward to seeing how they turn out.
Then on the 14th of February, I was in Birmingham doing a cheeky middle for Just The Tonic — which I always love. It’s always a joy gigging for them.
Could I have done better? Probably.
But I’m very harsh on myself.
It didn’t help that I’d been at a market all day trying to sell my artwork. We didn’t sell loads, but we got offered another festival in May, so again — it’s about making connections, not just money.
But here’s the question…
I’m busier than ever — but is that a good thing?
In my book, it is. Because when I’m busy, it keeps my mind active.
When I’m not busy… my mind can go to some very dark places.
But I do know I need to start taking more time for friends and family.
Hopefully in April and May, I can do that — whether that’s going to see family (which I am next weekend), or even just doing something simple like jumping on a steam train and riding it all day.
But that all costs money.
And that’s why I’m working so hard — building my artwork, my comedy, my content — trying to create something sustainable.
This week was meant to be a quiet one… but of course, that didn’t happen.
I saw Greg Phillips was looking for acts for a new material night in Sheffield, and I thought — why not?
So I went.
On the way there, I decided not to overthink it. No polished set. Just a mix of old jokes and new ideas.
Was it perfect? No.
But the laughs were in the right places, and that’s what matters.
It was also great to catch up with Peter Fox, who reviews comedy, along with Greg and the others.
Here’s the review — overall, it’s a positive one:
👉 https://nottscomedyreview.wordpress.com/2026/03/18/kiveton-tap-lorna-gray-benny-shakes-john-stannard-jack-butler-jules-obrian-and-greg-philips-mc/
And yeah — he mentioned a couple of things that could be improved. The care joke, maybe localising some references.
But that’s the thing — you take it with a pinch of salt, and you learn from it.
Even a punter after a gig can teach you something.
Looking ahead, the end of March is shaping up to be another busy one.
I’ve got four gigs lined up, and tonight I’m heading to Milton Keynes to do Comedy Cow — so that’ll be a good drive!
Then tomorrow, I’m heading down to Cornwall to spend some time with my good friend Lucy. That’ll be nice — a chance to switch off for a couple of days.
One thing I’ve noticed lately is my TikTok views have dropped a bit.
So I’m going to take a couple of weeks out to focus on recording content in the shed, building up videos so I can push more consistently across Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
The goal?
To build an audience — so in a couple of years, I can put on more shows about my journey as a disabled man.
If you’ve read this far — thank you.
And if you’re enjoying these blogs, please like, comment, and share. It really helps me find my audience and keep this going.
See you soon,
Benny 🎤
Benny Shake 
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