# Donatas Kveselys: The Lithuanian Comedian Who Conquered the UK Gong Shows

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-comedians-paradise-149885/donatas-kveselys-the-lithuanian-comedian-who-conquered-the-uk-gong-shows
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-comedians-paradise-149885/donatas-kveselys-the-lithuanian-comedian-who-conquered-the-uk-gong-shows.md
Podcast: [The comedians paradise](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-comedians-paradise-149885)
Published: 2026-02-01T19:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://instant-laughs.com/donatas-kveselys-the-lithuanian-comedian-who-conquered-uk-gong-shows
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/a76b130a-83fd-4138-a9b1-fa993f89d0e9.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-comedians-paradise-149885/episodes/donatas-kveselys-the-lithuanian-comedian-who-conquered-the-uk-gong-shows
Duration seconds: 3708

## Resource

An interview podcast giving the inside scoop of what happens in comedy scenes across the globe and dedicated to speaking to the mavericks in the comedy world. Join hosts Marvin McCarthy and Jack Wheeler as they interview Donatas Kveselys, the 6ft 7in Lithuanian comedian making waves in Sweden, the european circuit, Japan and conquering all UK gong shows. Based in Gothenburg, Sweden, the "Lithuanian Giant" has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting rising stars in stand-up comedy. Here is an overview of what we discussed: [[01:08]] The London Comedy Scene vs Everywhere Else How Donatas became a comedian, the success of Victor Patrascan, and the unique pressure of London gong shows. Why the London circuit is so overcrowded compared to the rest of the world. [[08:16]] [[08:26]] Freedom to Fail: Europe vs The UK Comparing the supportive atmosphere of the European comedy scene to the high-stakes, "no mistakes" culture of the UK. [[10:56]] [[25:32]] The Truth About Bringer Shows Navigating the controversial UK bringer show model and its impact on new acts. [[29:40]] [[26:50]] Is All Stage Time Good Stage Time? Analysing whether simply being on stage is always beneficial for your comedy craft. [[28:10]] [[28:00]] The London Grind & Material Fatigue Why London comedians repeat their sets until they are tired of their own material. [[31:00]] [[32:16]] The Challenges of Hosting & MCing Why hosting is a massive challenge and how it fundamentally changes a comedian's skillset. [[37:33]] [[33:39]] Crowd Work Spotlight: Siobhan Dodd Discussing the art of interaction and the great crowd work of Siobhan Dodd. [[37:33]] [[37:33]] Gothenburg vs Austin, Texas What makes the Swedish comedy scene so strong when compared to international hubs like Austin. [[40:27]] [[40:27]…

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