As the world continues to deal with the heavy aftermath of the pandemic, it is fair to say that a majority of us are in need of a laugh. And, one rising star hoping to help the world forget about the qualms of the last year and provide laughter-inducing entertainment is stand-up comedian, Nicky Paris.

Having graced coveted stages across America, the performer has been establishing himself in the industry as one to watch since his beginnings at 17. And, while many of his peers saw the pandemic as a setback, Nicky ceased the nature of our time as he took to performing in unprecedented places such as the New York City subway, pick-up trucks, roofs and sidewalks as he quizzed unsuspecting passers-by on post-pandemic sex and relationships in a raw and hilariously witty manner. Now, continuing on from his growing success, the comedian has set his sights on solo domination as he gears up to unveil Comedy House Presented by Nicky Paris.

“I’m so excited to be performing on and producing my first stand-up show ever,” exclaims Nicky when speaking on his latest project. “To be doing it at SoHo House makes it even more special because this is my way of hoping someone who owns a boat will see the show and fall in love with me. That’s all it takes. Have a boat – for vacations, not fishing – and laugh at all the comics. I’m going to be curating this show every month and performing alongside a lineup of some of the hottest comedians you know and the ones you need to know.”

As Nicky gears up for the reveal of his new show with tour dates booked around the country, he sat down with Wonderland to talk utilizing the pandemic, the advice he would give to his younger self, and what the future holds. Head below to read our interview with Nicky now…

Hey, Nicky! How are you?
I’m great! I just got back into Los Angeles after performing on the road for a few weeks. I’m performing all over Los Angeles next few weeks and then it’s back on the road again!

You have created some buzz in the last year performing around the country during a global pandemic. What was that experience like you for?
Although Covid was a challenging time for so many, I made it work for me. Am I allowed to say that? It was nice not to see some people for a year, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who felt that way!

All the shows I was booked on were cancelled and literally on day one of the lockdown I was just like, ‘I can’t just sit around and do nothing! What am I going to do? I’ve seen Deadly Sugar Daddy on Lifetime already’. I just made a decision that I was still going to perform in any way I could, wherever I could, and that’s what I did.

Over the last year, I have performed in the New York City subway, Central Park, outdoors in Miami, the back of pick-up trucks in Los Angeles, a parking lot in Philly, roofs, beaches, Covid-regulated clubs, theatres and everywhere in between. I left my dad’s birthday party last year to perform at a ferry terminal, which I’m not sure if I should be proud or ashamed of.
And, don’t forget about the virtual shows! I did them all. Most of the time I felt like a camgirl but you know what? I loved it. I even performed on a Zoom show where this man just sat there for the entire hour with a gun on his lap! Is that an assault rifle or are you happy to see me? I was super careful every show and basically took a bath in hand sanitiser whenever I got off of the stage. I feel lucky that I got to perform in so many different places through all of this madness because I got to see with my own eyes and ears how bad people needed to laugh. And, rub on their hand sanitiser.

Comedy House Presented by Nicky Paris will be a new monthly standup show at the SoHo House in Los Angeles starting this July. What can audiences expect?
I’m so excited to be performing on and producing my first stand-up show ever! To be doing it at SoHo House makes it even more special because this is my way of hoping someone who owns a boat will see the show and fall in love with me. That’s all it takes. Have a boat – for vacations, not fishing – and laugh at all the comics. I’m going to be curating this show every month and performing alongside a lineup of some of the hottest comedians you know and the ones you need to know.

You talk about anything and everything in your standup. Is there anything you won’t talk about?
You know, there isn’t and maybe I should have a good think about that. My grandma just came to see me do stand-up for the first time. I was too afraid to ever let her come. She sat right in the front and I couldn’t even look at her. Have you ever seen someone written out of a will in real-time? That audience did that night.

For me, I’ve always gravitated towards comedians and entertainers who are authentic and speak from the heart on whatever topic they are passionate about or dealing with. Whatever I’m going through on any given day, I always try to make it funny. I think life is easier if you do. I will take risks and chances with the material I perform. Am I perfect? No, I just want to make you laugh. I’m what my mother called “fresh” or a “little pepper.” Cute, but spicy!

You started performing stand-up in New York when you were a teenager. What was that experience like and what advice would you give your younger self?
I love being from New York and doing stand-up in the city so young was an amazing experience. I think the first time I ever did stand up for real with an act was when I was 17. Did I even have an Adam’s apple yet? I would run around the city at all hours of the night in my parent’s car to and from any club or venue that would put me up. Don’t talk to me about commitment to your craft until you’ve performed in the middle of a pizzeria in Brooklyn telling strangers who are just trying to eat dinner all of your life’s problems while standing on a box. The pizza with the pineapple wasn’t the saddest thing in the room that night!

The advice I would give myself at a younger age is to utilise every moment you can because time goes by so fast. Just focus on being as funny as you possibly can when you get on that stage and don’t worry about everything else. It’s all bullshit. Also, try and do more sit-ups.

What has been one of the proudest moments of your career so far?
I’m proud of every moment in my career because every moment has lead me one step closer to where I want to be on this journey. In the last few years, I’ve had some moments where I will look back and feel proud, but my focus will always be on what’s next. I’m always like ‘Okay that was cool, but tomorrow is a new day. I have bills to pay, subscriptions to every streaming service and I love lobster’.

What’s next for you?
I’d really love to lose 20 pounds. Outside of that, I will be doing stand-up all over in the next few months. Check out my website www.nickyparis.com for all info and follow me on socials at @nickyparisbitch. And yes, that was my confirmation name.