Yo Poznan!

Ok. Maybe not three. Two at least. Meet Jason, Barry & Paweł – the international comedy trio about to test their luck (and nerves) in front of a live Poznań crowd

You ever scroll past something on Facebook and just know… this could be legendary or an absolute dumpster fire? That was us when we saw a mysterious post from a guy named Jason, teasing an international stand-up night in the heart of Poznań on July 23rd.

Naturally, we hit him up. Curiosity won.

Turns out, the story behind the show is even juicier than we imagined. We’re talking about three totally different dudes, from three different countries, with one slightly unhinged plan: make Poznań laugh or die trying.

The lowdown…or is it downlow??

Jason

The ringleader, originally came to Poznań to study medicine. But let’s just say questioning the dean didn’t go down so well. Long story short: kicked out. But instead of sulking, he pivoted hard — into filmmaking. He’s now producing his second feature film, “Good Grief,” casting actors left and right, and moonlighting as an aspiring stand-up comedian. Respect.

Barry

The Scottish wild card. He came to visit a mate in Poznań, stayed longer than planned, and now you’ll catch him sipping coffee on Święty Marcin like a local. He’s never done stand-up before, but apparently, years of telling hilarious bar stories back in Glasgow have prepped him for the spotlight. Kinda.

Paweł – the local legend. Born and raised in Poland, he studied in Poznań, fell head over heels for the city, and never looked back. Unlike the other two, Paweł’s got chops — over 20 stand-up performances under his belt and about to drop his latest set on YouTube. He’s the seasoned one… which makes him the most nervous of all.

The three met through a strange mix of film, friendship, and fate. Jason even cast Paweł as a mysterious spy in his first film Final Diagnosis — and now again as a priest (yes, a priest!) in Good Grief. As for Barry? He hasn’t landed a film role yet, but we’re guessing he’s working his way up from comedy club to Hollywood.

We caught up with the trio in Jason’s film office – on casting day, no less – where aspiring actors wandered in and out of the building dreaming of stardom. In between all the madness, we pulled the guys aside for a sit-down and some serious pre-show truth bombs.

Here’s how that totally unfiltered chat went down…

The Interview

Poznań Daily: Hey Barry, it’s your first-ever stand-up. Be honest—how many times have you rehearsed in the shower?

Barry: Hahaha… you mean one-handed or two? Nah, honestly, not that many. Most of my jokes are just wild stories from my life—pub disasters, awkward Tinder moments, Scottish family chaos. I’ve told ’em a million times over a pint. I guess now it’s just swapping the pint for a mic… and trying not to freeze on stage.

Poznań Daily: Paweł, you’ve got more than 20 stand-ups under your belt. What’s higher—your number of written jokes, or deleted ones?

Paweł: Oh, deleted for sure. I’ve written stuff at 3 AM thinking it’s hilarious… then I read it the next morning and it’s absolute trash. You learn real fast what works and what doesn’t. It’s all about trimming the fat. The best jokes usually come from cutting through your own bullshit.

So what’s your backup plan if no one laughs on the 23rd?

Paweł: Wing it. That’s always the plan. Panic is a great motivator. Worst case, I’ll fake a faint and blame low blood sugar.

Poznań Daily: Jason, you’ve done two stand-ups already. How was the experience?

Jason: The first one? Brutal. I bombed so hard I got visibly drunk straight after. But I knew I would—I kinda walked on expecting to fail, just to get it out of the way. The second time though? Way better. I actually enjoyed it. The third one? It’s gonna be… insane. I’m feeling weirdly optimistic. Which is a red flag, probably.

Poznań Daily: During that first performance, did you ever think, “This was a terrible idea”?

Jason: 100%. But I committed. Like, if I was going down, I was taking the whole room with me. I made it epic. Think… slow-motion car crash. But with punchlines.

Okay, real talk—why haven’t you cast Barry in your new movie?

Jason: Hahaha! He’s too expensive. Budget just can’t handle it.

Poznań Daily: Barry, on a scale of 1 to pants-soiling terror, how scared are you for July 23rd?

Barry: Oh mate, I’m at a solid 10. Maybe 11. It’s like trying to do your first skydive but someone hands you a parachute after you’ve jumped. But weirdly… that’s what makes it exciting too?

Poznań Daily: Have any of you at least learned how to say “Please laugh” in Polish?

[All three laugh]

Paweł: We’re gonna wear shirts that just say “Proszę, śmiejcie się!” in big bold letters.

Poznań Daily: Paweł, how do you usually test your material?

Paweł: Bars. Always bars. I tell stories to friends, gauge reactions. If someone spits out their drink or slaps the table, I know I’ve got something. If they just nod politely, it’s back to the drawing board.

Poznań Daily: So… any of you planning to have a little “liquid courage” before the show?

Barry: Not planning. But… let’s just say the bar will be open.

Jason: We’ll try to wait until after the set… maybe.

Poznań Daily: Alright, Paweł. Serious question. Do you use comedy as therapy?

Paweł: Absolutely. You can either cry or turn it into a punchline. Comedy’s cheaper than a therapist and you get applause instead of a bill.

Poznań Daily: Who’s most likely to turn into a diva after two claps?

Barry & Paweł: Jason.

Jason: I’ve already started demanding warm towels and green M\&Ms.

Poznań Daily: Hecklers, Paweł? Got any good stories?

Paweł: One time this drunk guy tried to out-joke me mid-set. I roasted him so hard the crowd was in tears. He actually came up after and said thanks… I think?

Poznań Daily: Time for a roast battle fantasy draft. Paweł: Trump or the Pope?

Paweł: Oof. The Pope, just to see how far I can go before I get banned from TV.

Barry: The King of England or the pope.

Jason: I’d just roast Barry and Paweł. I already have the dirt.

Poznań Daily: Okay, if someone throws a pierogi on stage… what’s the move?

Jason: Catch it, eat it, and pretend it was part of the act.

Barry: Depends. Ruskie or meat?

Barry, you said your “shitting-it” level is a 10. Is this scarier than dating?

Barry: Way scarier. It’s like 20 first dates in one night… and everyone’s sober.

Poznań Daily: Practiced your autograph yet?

Barry: I’ll let Jason handle that. He’s got the handwriting of a tortured artist. I used to be in a boy band in Scotland, so I’m technically used to the fame. Technically.

Poznań Daily: Okay Jason, last one. If you had to cast me in one of your films—what role am I getting?

Jason: Hahaha. You asked for it. 100% a character that dies tragically… but in the final scene. So at least you’re a lead! Very poetic. Very dramatic. Lots of slow motion.

Poznan Daily: One last question…Jason, can I have a signed book?

Jason: Sure. I owe you one hahaha

Don’t Miss the Madness – July 23rd @ Szczęście Bar

Want to see if these guys sink, swim, or spontaneously combust under the spotlight? Catch them LIVE on Wednesday, July 23rd at Szczęście, at Szewska 20 street in the Old Town. Bring your loudest laugh, your sharpest heckle, and maybe a pierogi (just in case). Let’s make sure these three amigos leave the stage with one thought: Why the hell did we do this!?

See you by the mic.