About James Veitch

James Veitch has carved out a distinct niche in alternative comedy by turning the humble slideshow into a comedic playground. A British comedian with a background in music and technology, Veitch gained widespread recognition through his viral TED Talk about responding to spam emails, which has garnered over 40 million views.

With a technical mindset and a gift for storytelling, Veitch approaches comedy from a unique angle. His shows often feature him walking audiences through absurd digital interactions—whether it's prolonged exchanges with scammers, peculiar customer service complaints, or bizarre online experiences—all meticulously documented and presented with deadpan British charm.

What sets Veitch apart is his commitment to bringing receipts. Unlike comedians who might embellish stories for effect, Veitch documents his comedic adventures in real-time, presenting actual emails, photos, and digital evidence of his exploits. This approach grounds his comedy in reality while highlighting the absurdity of modern communication.

Comedic Approach

Veitch has carved out a distinct niche in alternative comedy by turning the humble slideshow into a comedic playground. Using digital presentations packed with visuals, emails, and absurd charts, he crafts routines that blend storytelling with rapid-fire visual gags. His approach thrives on the unexpected, as jokes emerge from surprising reveals within his slides—pushing the boundaries of how jokes can be delivered beyond spoken punchlines.

What I love about James Veitch is that he's essentially weaponized PowerPoint for comedy. He takes the most mind-numbing corporate tool and transforms it into something genuinely hilarious. — Comedy critic, The Guardian

His comedy often follows a familiar pattern: Veitch encounters an absurd situation (often online), decides to engage with it rather than ignore it, and then documents the increasingly ridiculous exchange that follows. This approach creates a voyeuristic thrill for audiences—we get to witness exchanges that most people would avoid, taken to their logical extreme.

Veitch's performances have a technical precision to them. Timing is crucial as he navigates between spoken delivery and visual reveals, creating a uniquely satisfying rhythm. His background as a musician and programmer is evident in the meticulous construction of his sets, which often build to carefully orchestrated conclusions.

The Art of Slideshow Comedy

James Veitch has pioneered a distinctive approach to comedy that transforms the mundane slideshow presentation into a powerful comedic tool. What makes his visual approach so effective is the careful balance between spoken delivery and visual surprise.

While other performers might use presentations as a supplement to their comedy, Veitch makes the visual elements integral to the experience. The slides aren't merely illustrations—they're active participants in the comedic narrative, often containing the most important punchlines.

This approach has particular resonance in our digital age, where so much of our communication happens through text and images rather than face-to-face interaction. By finding humor in email threads, customer service chats, and online exchanges, Veitch taps into shared experiences of digital absurdity that feel uniquely contemporary.

Influences and Impact

Veitch's comedy exists at an interesting intersection of traditional British humor and internet culture. His deadpan delivery and commitment to elaborate setups call back to classic British comedy, while his subject matter is thoroughly modern, exploring the peculiarities of digital communication.

His influences include both traditional comedians and newer internet-savvy performers:

• Dave Gorman - A clear influence with his document-based comedy and presentations
• Demetri Martin - Another comedian who incorporates visual elements and diagrams
• Jon Richardson - Shares a similar attention to detail and everyday absurdity

Veitch's impact on comedy is still developing, but he's helped legitimize digital material as a source for stand-up comedy. His work demonstrates that emails, customer service interactions, and online exchanges can be as rich with comedic potential as more traditional observational material.

Additionally, by embracing the slideshow format, Veitch has helped expand what a comedy performance can look like. He's part of a growing trend of comedians who incorporate multimedia elements into their shows, moving beyond the traditional stand-up format of just a person with a microphone.

Career Timeline

Key Performances and Shows

• TED Talk: "This is what happens when you reply to spam email"

  His breakthrough performance with over 40 million views, establishing his email-response comedy approach

• Scamalot Series (BBC)

  A web series documenting his interactions with email scammers, expanding on the format of his TED Talk

• James Veitch Is Available For Parties

  Edinburgh Fringe show that broadened his slideshow comedy to include other digital interactions beyond scam emails

• TED Talk: "The agony of trying to unsubscribe"

  Another viral hit exploring the frustration of email marketing and unsubscription processes

• Conan O'Brien appearances

  Multiple segments showcasing his email exchanges and digital comedy on mainstream American television

• Genius Bar

  International tour focusing on tech support nightmares and digital misadventures

• Straight to VHS (HBO Max)

  Comedy special exploring the absurdity of modern technology and communication