Last year my fellow Tracks Station Controller said I should check out local comedian The Depressed Baker aka Krishna who was running a comedy club called 'Strangers On A Patio (S.O.A.P.)' in his Maryland backyard.


His Strangers On A Patio showcase provides a platform for budding comedians complete with cakes and cocktails thrown in the mix for a more relaxed local social that supports local charities including Walthamstow-based LGBT+ mental health and wellbeing charity elop.


His garden gigs have garnered a loyal local following and whilst we wait for the spring season to arrive for more back garden gatherings, Krishna will be taking his show Queen Maker on the road in the Newham neighbourhood.


Here's more from Krishna what The Depressed Baker is all about:
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"My name is Krishna and I suffered a mental breakdown seven years ago, and found that there were not enough options locally to rehabilitate (through no fault of Newham’s). Which is why I set up a company called the Depressed Baker, which exists to raise money for charitable causes and to destigmatise depression.

I initially did this by selling my cakes across food markets throughout Waltham Forest and Newham and donated my proceeds to charity.

Covid kind of scuppered all that, so I decided to do something else, and converted my back garden into London’s most beautiful comedy club. To date I have raised circa £5k by selling my cakes and running my events.

I have now started to branch out and will be organising gigs elsewhere. There will not be a ticketed price, and entrance is free, though I will gladly accept any donations at the end of the night.

Whilst making money is important to me, this will happen if I am able to ensure one thing and one thing only - bums on seats and the rest will follow...

There can be no greater honour than performing to your homies in your hood!"
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So let's show The Depressed Baker some local love and support his comedy cause!


The Depressed Baker will be bringing his comedy club to Tracks on Saturday 2nd April. In the meantime you can catch his stand-up show Queen Maker next weekend with a trio of performances at The Holly Tree in Forest Gate on Thursday 24th February, Neighbourhood in Stratford on Friday 25th February and Escape in Leyton on Saturday 26th February.


Photography Max Paley