Jason Wood, one of the loveliest people on the comedy circuit, died in his sleep last weekend. He was 38. I know there are jokes about people being unrealistically nice about someone who’s recently died but in Jason’s case it really is true. I helped write and perform some video sketches for his Edinburgh show in 2006 and he was such a pleasure to write with in his fabulous 1920s decorated house. Later that year, he closed a charity show for me in aid of our local hospital in Enfield. He brought the house down with his fabulous songs and impressions and everyone who was there that evening never forgot him. He was unlike anyone they’d ever seen before (not just because they’re from the suburbs and a bit sheltered!). Jason was funny but he also sang beautifully. Unlike so many comedians, he was never bitchy or hard or moody. He was open and sensitive and a joy to be around.
I last saw him about three months ago at a gig at an agricultural college. We walked in to play a room full of big tough farmers sons and girls wearing rugby shirts. We sat giggling in the green room wondering what on earth we had in common with these kids. In fact the students were lovely. I was first on so left early to get home. Apparently Jason stormed it that night. I wish I’d stayed to watch.
