Paddy Young, the comedian set to impersonate the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham onSaturday Night Live UK, has had an eventful rise to prominence, including a recent hand injury that required surgery. The incident, which involved a samurai sword brought to his home by fellow comedian Sam Campbell, left Young with a 90 per cent lacerated tendon and a hospital visit, but did not stop him from performing that same night.
Young, who is gaining recognition as a breakout star on the British version of the iconic sketch show, is now preparing to take on the role of parodying the prime minister each week. In an interview, he reflected on the absurdity of his journey, from the accident to the upcoming impersonation, and admitted that he finds it hard to fully enjoy the moment despite the success.
The hand injury occurred when Young and Campbell were preparing for their regular comedy night, Floggers, where they dress up as elderly men and host a mock daytime television auction. Campbell had ordered a sword online as a prop for the show. When their ride arrived, Young hurriedly grabbed the bag containing the sword and sliced his hand open. He described the scene as reminiscent of the filmKill Bill, with blood splattering up the wall. Initially, everyone laughed, but the severity soon became apparent. When his housemates removed the tea towel wrapped around his hand, they could see yellow tissue, which Young later learned was tendon or muscle. He fainted shortly after.
Despite the injury, Young went ahead with the show after receiving stitches at A&E. He now cringes at the memory, noting that the performance involved juggling. Later, he discovered that one tendon was severely damaged and required an operation. Just before surgery, he fainted again. The ordeal has since become material for his new work-in-progress show,Will Sir Be Laughing Alone?, which he debuted on stage with his arm in a sling and under the influence of codeine.
Young’s comedy career has been on a steep upward trajectory. In addition to his role onSaturday Night Live UK, he recently collaborated with Sam Campbell on the Channel 4 seriesMake That Movie, which was praised for its eccentric creativity. His own stand-up shows have been gaining attention, and the opportunity to impersonate the prime minister on a weekly basis is a significant milestone. Andy Burnham, who recently took office, has already made headlines with policy announcements on social care and the cost of living, and Young now faces the challenge of capturing the new leader’s mannerisms and persona for a national audience.
Young admits that he struggles to fully appreciate the good times, a sentiment familiar to many comedians. The pressure of live television and the constant need for fresh material can be overwhelming. However, he remains committed to his craft, turning even a traumatic accident into a comedic routine. His approach to the Burnham impersonation is likely to be sharp and observant, drawing on the prime minister’s public appearances and political style.
The rise ofSaturday Night Live UKhas provided a platform for a new generation of British comedians, and Young is among the most promising. His ability to find humour in adversity, such as his hospital stay and the ensuing tabloid coverage, demonstrates a resilience that will serve him well in the fast-paced world of sketch comedy. As he prepares to step into the role of Andy Burnham, audiences can expect a parody that is both entertaining and incisive.
Young’s story is a reminder that behind the laughter, comedians often navigate chaos and pain. From a samurai sword accident to the pressure of impersonating a sitting prime minister, he is learning to balance the absurd with the demanding. Whether he can learn to enjoy the ride remains an open question, but his talent and determination suggest that his breakout stardom is only the beginning.
