Failsworth’s funniest export wants your laughs (and some new parquet flooring)

It’s a rainy Tuesday morning in Manchester, and I’m chatting with Josh Jones, who, despite the weather, lives up to his nickname as “the Mancunian Ray of Sunshine.” Though he’ll be the first to admit, it’s not a title he gave himself.

“Can I just say, I didn’t call myself that?” he laughed. “But I’m happy to style it out! I think it’s a silly name. I don’t know where it came from, maybe my agent, but sure, I’ve been called worse.

“You don’t have to be that much of a ray of sunshine to stand out in Manchester though, as it’s literally raining right now.”

And that pretty much sums up Josh’s approach to life: self-aware, cheeky, and up for a laugh.

As he prepares to hit the road on his new UK stand-up tour I Haven’t Won The Lottery So Here’s Another Tour Show!, we caught up to talk comedy, cats, and his very real dream of parquet flooring.

Josh Jones goes on tour

Born and raised in Manchester, Josh had what he calls a “normal Manchester upbringing” split between his parents in Droylsden and Failsworth.

“Dad was in Droylsden and my mum was in Failsworth. I was gigging in the Frog and Bucket a couple of weeks ago and when i said I was from Failsworth someone made a massive wrenching sound like they were throwing up.”

“My family are all sound,” he says, “but we’ve got a few gobsh*tes—I can say that, right? But yeah, they’re harmless. Just proper Mancs.”

Those roots run deep in Josh’s comedy, and he’s quick to acknowledge how the city shaped his voice on stage.

“Manchester makes you funny by default,” he said. “It’s grey, it’s raining—you’ve got to find the humour in it. And growing up here, you learn to laugh at yourself. Which helps, because everyone else definitely will.”

Learning to be a stand up comedian in Manchester

Like many Northern comics, Josh’s early days were spent playing open mics and local clubs. Gigs in the city were mainly in the Northern Quarter, but the scene is so varied now, people learn where they can get an opportunity.

He was soon on the road, gigging across Greater Manchester and beyond—everywhere from the Northern Quarter to small rugby clubs in the Peak District.

“You learn fast,” he said. “Those rugby clubs don’t mess around. But it puts a bit of hair on your chest!”

Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Manc comedy career without a few gigs at the legendary Frog and Bucket.

Ten years into his career, the heckling’s mostly behind him—“People know I can handle myself now,” he jokes—but that hasn’t stopped fans from jumping in mid-show.

“I hate saying fans. People who like me. Even they’ll shout stuff out sometimes, but it’s usually fun. I think I’m just easy to take the mick out of.”

Now touring… and gardening?

Josh’s new tour is a mix of fresh material and his trademark storytelling magic. But don’t expect tales of wild nights and reckless youth—Josh has moved on.

“I’m balls-deep in my thirties now,” he says. “I’ve got a power washer. I go to garden centres. If I go out, it starts at 5pm and I’m home by 10. That’s my life!”

His comedy, however, hasn’t lost any of its charm.

“I want this tour to feel like a proper night out,” he says. “It’s not going to change your life, but you’ll have a laugh, and that’s what matters.”

There’s one bit he won’t spoil, though.

“There’s a joke in the show that’s a surprise. I can’t say what it is because the whole point is that people don’t see it coming—but I’m quite proud of it!”

Also on the cards: vasectomies, Spring Break chaos in Mexico, and his ongoing war with his cat.

“I thought my cat was stupid because he can’t use the cat flap and I have to open the door for him. But then a mate said, ‘No, he just thinks you’re the idiot who opens doors on command.’”

Touché, feline.

Manchester’s incredible comedy scene

Now headlining across the UK, Josh still feels most at home among the Northern comedy circuit’s best.

“I looked up to so many of the headliners when I was starting—like Hayley Ellis, Dan Nightingale, Brennan Reece, Mick Ferry. We’ve got some of the best club comics in the country right here in the Northwest.”

And while big names like Jason Manford and Sarah Millican have long flown the Manchester flag, Josh has carved out his own place on the scene—respected by his peers, loved by his crowds, and still keeping things proudly Northern.

Dreams of parquet and puddings

Of course, this tour isn’t just about making people laugh—it’s also funding his dream of the ultimate grown-up living room.

“I’ve found this gorgeous light-blue sofa I want,” he beams. “And I want wall-to-wall bookshelves and parquet flooring. But it’s not cheap. So yeah, please come to the tour—I really want that floor.”

Until then, you’ll find him in Manchester doing what all proud locals do after a trip away: heading straight for a chippy tea.

“Chips, steak and kidney pudding, peas and gravy—that’s the dream. I was vegetarian for seven years, but I always had one ‘lapse day’ on my birthday for a chippy tea. Can’t beat it.”

A night out with Josh Jones

So why should you buy a ticket?

“Because it’s just a good night out,” he grinned. “It’s not serious, it’s not political, it’s just jokes. And I don’t want to big myself up too much—but I am actually really quite good at stand-up.

“And I write good jokes. You’ll have a laugh, whatever your age.”

Josh Jones is funny, warm, and just the right amount of chaotic—like all the best nights out in Manchester. Just don’t mention the cat flap.

You can get tickets to see Josh Jones on his I Haven’t Won The Lottery So Here’s Another Tour Show! by clicking here