New show to explore origins of Bristol comedian and his alter-ego ‘Terry the Odd Job Man’

A new show is set to explore the story of Bristol comedian Jody Kamali, who is better known for his character Terry the Odd Job Man.

Things We Do For Love will be Jody’s first solo show where he drops his alter egos, including his Bristolian handyman character Terry the Odd Job Man who he has been playing for 12 years.

The show at the Alma Theatre on November 30 will be ‘physical and energetic, full of goodwill and a sweet yarn of an origin story’.

The pre-publicity for the show says: “Expect candid storytelling and elaborate enactments of his working-class Bristol life, the feeling of being married to a Russian and his childhood fears of visiting Iran.”

Jody has more than 1.3m views on YouTube as Terry the Odd Job Man, where he has become known for his guides to various areas across the city and for his lessons on Bristol dialect.

“I was born and raised in Southmead - everything about Terry is true in many ways as is my experience of growing up as a working-class lad from Southmead,” Jody told BristolWorld, explaining why he has decided to do a show as himself.

“For the past 12 years, I have kept “myself” and Terry separate. Most people believe Terry is real, but I am starting to reveal myself little by little.

“It’s quite funny, as I’ll get the odd message from someone in total shock that Terry is not real. Like their eight-year-old self, realising Santa isn’t real.”

As well as a one-man show telling of his life, Jody will also be performing as the hi-vis hero Terry the Odd Job Man for four shows next year.

“The Terry shows are written for proper Bristolians,” Jody added. “People who are born and bred here, so lots of in jokes, not the cliche ones - ‘gert lush’ etc - old school, nuances from past and present.

“Though the shows have attracted lots of newer residents like DFLs [Down From London] over the years who have become accustomed to Bristolian culture.

“I love performing the shows in the heart of the community. They are in community centres and halls, a bit ragged around the edges which I love. Certainly not the pizazz of the Tobacco Factory, Hippodrome or the Old Vic.”

Jodu KamaliI: Things We Do For Love is on at The Alma Theatre on November 30, from 8-9pm. Tickets can be bought here: www.chucklebusters.com/events/jody-kamali-things-we-do.

In 2024, Jody will also be performing as Terry the Odd Job Man in Hanham on March 8, Weston-super-Mare on March 9, Kingswood on April 12 and Bedminster Down on April 13. Get your tickets here: www.terry.show/