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Max Fulham is a comedian and ventriloquist who has been performing professionally since his teenage years. Known for his sharp improvisation, playful comedy and inventive use of puppets and everyday objects, Max has built a distinctive career on the comedy circuit and beyond.
His work combines classic ventriloquism technique with modern stand-up, character comedy and a deep love of puppetry. From comedy clubs and Edinburgh Fringe to major theatre stages, Max brings a fresh, funny and highly skilled approach to one of variety entertainment’s most misunderstood art forms.
Episode summary
In this episode of The Variety Show Podcast, Adam Sternberg talks with comedian and ventriloquist Max Fulham about how a childhood Christmas puppet unexpectedly became the start of a career.
Max reflects on growing up between East London, Essex, Scotland and Surrey, discovering performance through singing, dancing, magic and puppets, and teaching himself ventriloquism by watching videos online and practising in front of a bedroom mirror.
The conversation explores the craft behind ventriloquism, from lip control and difficult sounds to character creation, puppetry, improvisation and the hidden acting involved in making a puppet feel alive. Max also introduces some of his puppets, including a restored vintage ventriloquist figure and his character Eugene.
Adam and Max discuss comedy clubs, Edinburgh Fringe, surprise support slots for Engelbert Humperdinck, the importance of play, and the reality of turning a passion into a profession. They also talk about arts education, creativity in schools, and why live performance remains deeply human in an increasingly digital world.
Funny, thoughtful and full of insight, this episode reveals the skill, discipline and joy behind modern ventriloquism.
In this episode
- Getting a first puppet at nine years old
- Growing up across East London, Essex, Scotland and Surrey
- Discovering performance, comedy and puppetry
- Teaching himself ventriloquism through YouTube
- Choosing performance over university
- How ventriloquism actually works
- Creating puppet characters and voices
- Vintage ventriloquist figures and puppet history
- Comedy clubs, Edinburgh Fringe and support slots
- Arts education, AI and advice for performers
What is The Variety Show?
The Variety Show is a celebration of the extraordinary people who bring live performance to life. Each week, host Adam Sternberg sits down with a dazzling range of guests – from magicians to contortionists, gospel singers to tap dancers to uncover the real stories behind their craft. How do artists decide to dedicate their lives to performing? What inspires them, challenges them, and keeps them coming back to the stage? Through intimate conversations, Variety gives listeners a behind-the-curtain look at the journeys, passions, and influences that shape today’s performers. Whether you’re a fan of live entertainment, a lover of the arts, or simply curious about the paths less traveled, this podcast offers a fresh perspective on the world of performance.
If you have any comments about the podcast or are a performer who wants advice please do email info@thevarietyshowpodcast.co.uk