Comedian Tom Rosenthal is currently on tour with a show titled Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I Am, drawing inspiration from Arctic Monkeys, reports BritPanorama.
In promoting his stand-up gig, Rosenthal playfully showcased various Zoom backgrounds, including recreations of iconic album covers. The show reportedly serves as a platform for Rosenthal to explore his public persona, largely shaped by his notable roles in sitcoms such as Plebs and Friday Night Dinner.
Reflecting on his identity, Rosenthal, the son of sports presenter Jim Rosenthal, confronts labels like “nepo-baby,” his Jewish heritage, and his recent autism diagnosis in his performance. He noted that his desire for a formal diagnosis stemmed from the need to authenticate his comedic material on the topic, saying, “I can’t joke about it if no one’s actually told me that I am.”
The show also touches on broader themes, comparing Arctic Monkeys’ transformation from indie favorites to mainstream figures and igniting discussions among audiences about the band’s evolving identity. Rosenthal remarked on the debates that ensue among fans, illustrating how polarizing perspectives can be when it comes to such culturally significant figures.
Having not toured for over four years prior to this event, Rosenthal cited the pandemic as a significant factor in the hiatus. However, he took the opportunity to perform a work-in-progress show at the Machynlleth Comedy Festival, which he described as a low-pressure environment that would help him gauge his joy in performing.
As part of his comedic journey, Rosenthal elaborated on how external perceptions often overshadow his multifaceted identity. While many view him primarily through the lens of his televised characters, he insists on the importance of confronting the narrow narratives surrounding him. “You literally can’t avoid it,” he commented, acknowledging the overwhelming reception he receives from fans associated with his sitcom roles.
Rosenthal wants to embrace his narrative without being confined by it. He reflected, “I’m only trying to enjoy stand-up. I’m not trying to live up to being as good as Friday Night Dinner.” He expressed a desire for creative freedom similar to that sought by Arctic Monkeys, highlighting the challenge of evolving one’s artistic expression in the face of public expectation.
His stand-up also includes commentary on cultural dialogues surrounding his Jewish heritage, especially in light of recent criticisms from figures like David Baddiel regarding representation in media. Rosenthal has faced accusations of denying his identity but maintains that he has the right to respond to such criticisms while remaining true to his own experiences.
Discussing his “nepo-baby” status, he notes that his background inevitably shapes public perception. While he acknowledges some societal advantages linked to his father’s celebrity, he remains committed to authenticity. “All I can do is make jokes about it and carry on,” he said, reaffirming his approach as a form of resilience against industry notions of privilege.
Tom Rosenthal’s stand-up tour ‘Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I Am’ continues on 16 September.
