Former MADtv writer returns to his stand-up comedy roots

By Kelly Wiley

Driving down Versailles Road, many wonder what’s the story behind that used-to-be unfinished, semi-burnt down, now-a-bed-and-breakfast castle. Among these curious people is comedian Torian Hughes.

“I got my heart broke when I heard it burnt down,” Hughes said. “I would always tell people, ‘There really is a castle. I mean, there’s no knights or squires, but there is a castle.’ ”

Hughes’ near obsession with the castle in Kentucky will most certainly be part of his comedy routine tonight at the Cat’s Den, he said.

Living in Nashville, Hughes knows a thing or two about Lexington, seeing as he has performed at different venues around town, including Comedy Off Broadway, back when it was actually located on South Broadway, and Two Keys Tavern. Despite performing in Lexington, he said today will be the first time he has ever performed at UK.

Hughes said he remembers when he got his start at an open mic night at Zanies Comedy Club in Nashville. The push to actually get up on stage for the first time came from his friends, and they were also the people who gave Hughes the nudge to take it to the big leagues. Hughes went on to become a writer for the FOX skit comedy show, MADtv.

“After working for no money and a very hostile crowd, before I knew it, I was doing it for a living,” Hughes said.

Writing for MADtv, Hughes said he loved the world of writing comedy because all day he was around people who were joking constantly, but after the writer’s strike, Hughes decided to take a break because things weren’t the same.

“Hollywood is still digging themselves out,” he said.

So, after moving from L.A. back to Nashville, Hughes is now focusing on his own writing again, without a boss or another writer looming over his shoulder.

“A lot of my stuff comes out of things I’m passionate about,” he said. “I have found the best comes from watching TV or reading the newspaper and I get annoyed by something. So, I take what annoys me and turn it around in a humorous way.”

Overall, Hughes said he takes the material he writes, uses it on his friends, and if they laugh, an audience usually will laugh too.

He hopes that college students will laugh as well, because Hughes said he isn’t that old and likes to think he still knows what makes students smile.

Hughes will be at the Cat’s Den tonight at 8 p.m. as part of their Comedy Caravan. The event is free.