Comedy at The Brunswick (Swansea)

Posted on by Chris Carra

One of my goals as a comedian was to create a night of free comedy in Swansea – and I’ve finally done it!

While there are loads of cool comedy events in and around the city, my new night at The Brunswick Arms (near the Uplands) is worth checking out if you want regular free stand-up comedy in Swansea.

The nights always include a special guest headliner and opener, with two solid middle acts. Including myself as the MC, we have five funny people delivering two hours of quality entertainment.

These are always free nights, but it’s advised to book a table to guarantee yourself a good seat (call 01792 465676).

Here are the current dates and posters for 2026/2027:

  • Wednesday, August 19
  • Wednesday, September 23
  • Wednesday, October TBC

Success at the Scriptation Showcase

Posted on by Chris Carra

I’m thrilled to announce that one of my TV pilots, a comedy called Moncton / Definitely England has made it into the quarter-finals of the international Scriptation Showcase Competition.

Here’s the official announcement!

As an enthusiastic scriptwriter, it’s lovely to be recognized and to have made it through to the quarter-finals.

Looking forward to the next stages, and will update in due course.

Men’s Health: Return to Rugby Article

Posted on by Chris Carra

“My first taste of rugby as an adult came with more than a few winces…”

You’ll find these words and around 2,000 more in my article for the May 2026 edition of Men’s Health magazine. (Article not yet online, but I’ll update when the link is available!)

For this article, I returned to rugby after 25 years away from the sport at the age of 40. Yep, long after most rugby players hang up their boots for the lure of golf or sitting on the sofa.

The reason for my return was nothing more than a test.

Chris Carra playing rugby for Morriston RFC

In addition to wanting to try playing rugby as an adult (call it deeply unfulfilled dreams of playing for the Italian national team…), I wanted to see if team sports could offer men something more than solo sports.

The answer to this can be found in the article, which you can read in the latest edition of Men’s Health or online. I will link to the article when it is available.

A quick note to say that I really enjoyed my time training and playing with Morriston RFC, and can certainly see the appeal of team sports, especially in an age where loneliness strikes a lot of men.

If you have any comments or feedback about the article, please let me know. If you have an idea for an article or experiment you’d like to see me undertake, feel free to get in touch!

My Life as a Stand-Up Comedian

Posted on by Chris Carra

Once again, it’s been over six months since I’ve updated my website – not for a lack of things to write about, but for a simple lack of time.

Fortunately, I’m working on more new writing projects than I can shake a cat at (*that’s a phrase people use, isn’t it?), and several new magazine articles. I’ll announce these shortly.

Adding to my lack of time, I’ve ventured into the captivating world of stand-up comedy.

Chris Carra Comedy in Llanelli

You’ve become a stand-up comedian in Swansea?!

Indeed.

(And not just Swansea. Neath… I’ve been to Neath goddammit!)

Let’s face it. I’ve always written with humour (even when it wasn’t called for, much to the exasperation of my editors) and decided to elevate this into the world of stand-up comedy.

And it’s been great!

To date, I’ve performed in Swansea, Bath, Neath, Llanelli and Llandeilo, including two nights as part of This is a Stand Up‘s excellent new material events at The Salutation Inn.

From the laughs and organiser feedback, I appear to be on the right track, even though I’m still honing my material.

Stand up comedian in Swansea

What’s your comedy about?

I pride myself on a blend of solid observation and surreal humour, touching on both my life and things we can all laugh about.

I’m actually a relatively clean comedian. I wouldn’t exactly say my material is family friendly, but I avoid swearing and blue humour where possible.

As for the exact content… well, you’ll have to come to one of my shows to see for yourself.

When’s your next show?

I’m doing shows all the time, so the best way to keep up to date with where I’m performing is by following me on social media.

Follow me on Instagram, which I am trying to be more active on in 2026.

Of course, if you’re looking for a stand-up comedian in Swansea, get in touch!

Peanuts: New Smithsonian Magazine Article

Posted on by Chris Carra

I’m proud to have once again written the opening article for the legendary Smithsonian Magazine. You’ll find it in the Prologue section of the July/August 2025 issue.

This time, the American icon is the world-famous Peanuts comic strip, which celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2025.

That’s right, good ol’ Charlie Brown and Snoopy are turning 75 this year!

Peanuts is a real classic and a household name. As a kid, I used to read the strips and always enjoyed the animated specials – particularly the uber-festive A Charlie Brown Christmas from 1965 (Vince Guaraldi’s soundtrack is genius).

I love writing for Smithsonian Magazine. It’s such a prestigious publication. Completing an article always feels like an event, because it often takes me several weeks and multiple drafts to perfect it.

Even though I’m the writer, with so much input from the editors, each article feels like true teamwork.

Where can you read the article?

Personally, I feel the best way to enjoy this article is by grabbing a copy of Smithsonian Magazine, which is sold in good magazine stores worldwide. This way, you can also enjoy the rest of the publication.

Can’t wait?

Fortunately, you can also read it on the Smithsonian Magazine website: How the Beloved ‘Peanuts’ Found Its Way to Define the Modern Comic Strip.

If you read it, I’m always happy to hear feedback. Please get in touch or leave a comment.

Want something else to read? Check out my new article about Italian coffee culture and the potential wellbeing benefits of coffee.

Mid(ish) 2025 Update

Posted on by Chris Carra

So far, 2025 has been an excellent year of articles for me. I’ve enjoyed seeing my name in print (and on screens of various sizes) for a selection of excellent publications – with more to come!

Perhaps the most notable is my debut article in Men’s Health magazine, published in the May edition.

In this article, I explore the weird and potentially disastrous world of AI dating, and ask why thousands of men are turning to artificial partners. You can find this in print and available to read via the Men’s Health website.

Around the same time, I was published in Men’s Fitness magazine. This was an article diving into how professional footballers recover in between games. Naturally, the club I focused on was Swansea City, with Head of Sport Science at Swansea, Patrick Orme, sharing his insight.

Earlier in the spring, I had two articles published in Business Insider. One of these was a reflection on a road trip that I took with my mum across Florida. You can read more about what I liked about that journey – and what wasn’t so great – over on the article.

Coming up in July this year, my second article for the world-famous Smithsonian Magazine. This is a tribute piece to an iconic American series celebrating a big anniversary this year – I can’t wait to see it in print and on the Smithsonian website.

As always, stay tuned for more!

January 2025 Update!

Posted on by Chris Carra

Happy new year!

Over Christmas, I was discussing my website with a fellow writer. Smugly, I told them that I manage to update it quite regularly.

That’s when I looked to discover it had actually been over six months since the last update.

Awkward…

So, welcome to the next installment of ‘What’s happening with Chris’.

Last year flew by, with lots keeping me busy, both personally and professionally. Some highlights included plenty of travel (Milan, Florence and Stockholm among others), new commercial clients, and articles published in Men’s Fitness, Smithsonian Magazine, Metro and a few others.

You can read these on my new ‘Articles’ tab (which will be added to this site at some point in January).

Elsewhere in 2024, I also updated my third Swansea City book, Match of My Life, for a new paperback edition, which was really cool. I’d love to see one of my other books enjoy a reprint and new material, although that’s up for the publishers to decide.

What’s happening in 2025?

Onto this year and there’s a lot coming up!

Early in the year I will have my third article published in Men’s Fitness magazine. This is an interesting one that looks at recovery, fitness and football. Keep an eye out for the March edition.

Around the same time, I will have an article out in Men’s Health magazine. This will be focused on dating and relationships, with a twist. It’s my debut for this renowned magazine, and something I’m really looking forward to to seeing in print.

Meanwhile, I am also writing debut articles for ITALY Magazine and Business Insider, with these coming up in the next month or so. I’ll link to them all when they are published.

Looking further ahead, in October, I have another article scheduled for the legendary Smithsonian Magazine. This article will be about another American icon, but I can’t say what yet. It’s been such a fun article to work on, I love writing for such a prestigious magazine.

Anything else?

Elsewhere, while no books are in the pipeline this year, I am always working on ideas and may have something to share later in the year.

Finally, back in October, I created a test video to see if my editing skills were still up to previous standards (spoiler: they were). I filmed a short video on the Dylan Thomas locations around Swansea, which you can view now on YouTube. I am likely to produce a few more in 2025, so feel free to subscribe to my channel while you are there.

Anyway, that’s about all from me at the moment. If you’re reading this, I hope your 2025 is healthy and happy. Catch you soon!

Swansea City book 'Match of My Life' 2024 update

Swansea City Book: 2024 Update!

Posted on by Chris Carra

It gives me great pleasure to announce that my most recent Swansea City book, Match of My Life, is receiving a brand-new edition for 2024!

After the original printing of Swansea City Match of My Life sold out last year, the book is set to be released as a paperback in August 2024.

It will once again be published by the excellent Pitch Publishing.

Let’s take a look at the story of my favourite Swansea City book so far…

Match of My Life: the Story So Far

In 2017, with two books to my name, I began writing the most ambitious Swansea City book of my trilogy. The following year, it was published.

Match of My Life featured 16 chapters, each focusing on one Swansea City icon telling the story of their favourite game in a Swans shirt.

For example, Alan Curtis talked about Swansea’s iconic battering of Leeds United in 1981. Roger Freestone gave the story behind the FA Cup victory over West Ham in 1999. Leon Britton discussed the 3-0 victory over Cardiff in the Premier League in 2014.

In addition to these legends, you’ll find chapters from Mel Nurse, Wyndham Evans, Alan Tate, Vic Gomersall, John Toshack, Matthew Bound, James Thomas, Dai Gwyther, Michael Howard, Lee Trundle, John Cornforth, and Nathan Dyer. It also features the words of the late Leighton James, who passed away in April this year.

It offers a behind-the-scenes look at some of the club’s most important games from the players who made them happen. You can feel the emotion behind the friendships, the fights, the goals and the glory.

At the time of publication, I wrote an inside look at the book, which will give you more insight.

Swansea City book 'Match of My Life' 2024 update

A New Chapter for the 2024 Edition

To celebrate the second edition, I have written a brand-new chapter in collaboration with current Swansea City defender Ben Cabango.

I met Ben earlier this year and his interview made for an entertaining chapter. In it, he discusses a historic match against Cardiff City in which he played a crucial part. It’s a great addition from a developing club stalwart.

While some other things have changed inside, the most notable change is that the book is being released in paperback format. Yep, I’m now officially a paperback writer.

When and Where Will the New Edition be Available?

The updated book will be available on 16 August, 2024. You will be able to buy it at the club shop, as well as all good book retailers, including Waterstones, HMV, WHSmiths, and independent bookshops.

Naturally, you will also be able to purchase it in online stores like Amazon. On that note, you can still grab a copy of the hardback version while a few copies remain.

There will also be a range of signed copies at the time of release, and if you want one personally signed, feel free to get in touch to arrange.

I will release an update closer to the time of this new Swansea City book. For now, thanks for reading!

Short But Sharp: Men’s Fitness Article

Posted on by Chris Carra

I’m pleased to announce that I have once again been published in Men’s Fitness magazine, as the lead article in the May 2024 edition.

Earlier in the year, I put myself through an eight-week experiment. I tested whether I could save time by working out like legendary bodybuilder Mike Mentzer. For the uninitiated, Mentzer is one of the most iconic bodybuilders to have ever lived.

In addition to his perfect body, he made waves with an unconventional training style, which was famously low in volume. Training each muscle group with just one set per week.

In short, it meant reducing my training time by around 75% by following Mentzer’s high-intensity, low-frequency training style.

If that sounds easy, I can assure you it wasn’t!

I won’t go into the results much here, as I wrote an article on the Mike Mentzer split over on my other website.

However, training in this way proved to be interesting. I certainly put on muscle, which was incredible considering I was training less than an hour a week.

It’s an entertaining read and I love the illustrations (which were certainly not done by me, but an illustrator called Kevin February). You can buy the May edition of Men’s Fitness here.

This was my second article for the famous British fitness magazine, after I wrote about becoming a firefighter last year.

I will return very soon with an announcement about an update to one of my older books, which is really cool. Until then, thanks for reading!


Chris Carra Author 2024 projects banner

New Projects 2024!

Posted on by Chris Carra

Is it too late to wish everyone a happy new year?

Probably.

Although oddly, someone actually wished me a merry Christmas a few days ago and, midway through January, that felt a little strange. Festive, but strange.

Anyway, after a quieter end to last year, I am back working on some new projects, which I’ll outline briefly below.

Smithsonian Magazine

Firstly, coming up in spring his year, you’ll be able to read my debut article in Smithsonian Magazine, which is sold across the US and wider world.

Officially published by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., this longstanding and highly respected magazine is perhaps the most prestigious publication in which I’ve featured.

So, to be opening the March issue with my take on an iconic American landmark fills me with pride. Stay tuned for more!

Men’s Fitness

Around the same time, I will have another article published in Men’s Fitness (UK).

Over the last few months, I have been learning about an iconic Golden Era bodybuilder and his unique and controversial training style.

So intriguing was this training style that I decided to try working out that way for eight weeks, and charted my journey for Men’s Fitness.

Featuring insight from a respected author and friend of the bodybuilder, this will be another very interesting article that I can’t wait for people to read.

Comedy Scripts

This year, I’m working on revamping some older and unfinished comedy scripts that I discovered over Christmas. Some of the content was great if I say so myself (which I unashamedly do), but it needed a little updating.

Meanwhile, I have a few ideas for a new script, which I plan to start writing over the next month or so.

Truth be told, I’m not sure exactly where I am taking these scripts when they are complete, but I’m enjoying the writing process, so it doesn’t bother me too much at this stage.

Books

Finally, we come to books. While I’m not currently working on anything, I have a few ideas bouncing around.

Within the next few months, I am hoping to have more to say!

UPDATE: Within 12 hours of publishing this blog post, one of my publishers told me that one of my books is getting a 2024 reprint! Stay tuned for more!

Website Revamp

At the bottom of my list is a revamp of this website. It does its job, but I feel it’s a little clunky and I’m not the biggest fan of the design. I may therefore develop something more streamlined, with a fresher appearance.

However, due to the time and financial investment involved, this is not a priority at this stage.

Anyway, if you reached this far, thanks for reading. If you ever have any feedback on my work, my website, or ideas for me to explore (particularly articles that could appeal to larger magazines), then please get in touch.

Until next time…

PS. If you are looking for something else to read, check out my other website, where I discuss health and wellbeing around the world. This is a great article on The Sedentarism Epidemic (and Why ‘Exercise’ Isn’t Enough!).