Andrew Mycock, a man born in Buxton, Derbyshire, has faced a lifetime of laughter and unsolicited comments due to his unusual surname. While the name is relatively common in his hometown, leaving for university in Salford changed everything. He began avoiding using it in public.
Pursuing a PhD brought new challenges. 'Gaining a doctorate opened a new strand of jokes - being Dr Mycock has not been easy,' he wrote in The I Paper. He rarely wears conference badges and avoids using his name on PowerPoint slides. Students have delighted in being lectured by Mycock and shown creativity in citing his research.
Despite the trials, Andrew acknowledges the joy his name can bring, breaking down barriers when meeting people. This led him to create a comedy show about his surname, after suggestions from friends and colleagues. He has sold out shows across northern England and Scotland.
The show is delivered in a lecture style, combining humour and education. Andrew explores the origins of names and their importance, including how the phallus has become a symbol of protest. He also examines the effect of an unfortunate surname on self-esteem and anxiety.
Andrew has been commissioned by BBC Radio 4 for a programme titled 'Andy Mycock: Named, Unashamed,' which explores his journey to loving his surname. He believes comedy has opened new avenues in his personal and professional life, allowing him to 'come to like my name.' He now sees being Dr Mycock as bringing 'life-relief in an increasingly dark world.'
