Comedy Meets Compassion: Lee Brace on Laughter, Activism, and Dawn Chorus

In the latest episode of the Performing Animal Rights Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with comedian and character performer Lee Brace. Known for his hilarious and thought-provoking creation, Dawn Chorus, Brace has crafted a unique niche within the animal rights movement by blending comedy, music, and activism. Through this blend, he’s not only raising awareness about veganism but also providing much-needed relief to activists navigating the often overwhelming emotional toll of animal advocacy.

The Birth of Dawn Chorus: A Birdwatching Comedian Turns Vegan Activist

Dawn Chorus was born out of a simple idea during the lockdown—a playful bird-watcher character filming light-hearted videos about the dawn chorus of birdsong. But the character took on new life when Brace went vegan in 2021. His deepened awareness of animal suffering led him to transform Dawn into a vegan activist. “Dawn would definitely be vegan,” Brace explains, reflecting on his realization that calling oneself an animal lover while consuming animals was a contradiction he could no longer ignore.

By merging comedy with activism, Dawn Chorus evolved into a dynamic character capable of discussing tough topics, like speciesism and animal exploitation, in a disarming, approachable way.

Comedy as a Gateway to Activism

For Brace, comedy has proven an essential tool for outreach. “The world is burning,” he says, “but if I can tell people that in a funny way, they’re more open to listening.” Dawn’s quirky appearance—a wig, fake teeth, and a pair of glasses without lenses—acts as a humorous conversation starter, drawing people in with laughter before introducing them to the hard-hitting truths about animal exploitation.

While many activists face challenges when engaging the public, Brace acknowledges that the character of Dawn makes him more confident. As Dawn, he can push boundaries, engage audiences, and confront speciesism in a way that feels natural. “Dawn lets me be bold,” Brace admits. “She’s my shield.”

Laughter for Activists: Healing Through Comedy

The emotional weight of animal rights activism is often heavy, with burnout and secondary trauma being common experiences among advocates. Brace recognizes this and aims to offer fellow activists a space for relief. Dawn Chorus isn’t just a way to educate the public—she’s a form of therapeutic escapism for those within the movement. “A lot of vegans suffer with their mental health because they know what’s going on,” Brace shares. “Sometimes, we need to laugh because otherwise, we’ll explode.”

His comedy gives activists the chance to step back from the grief of constant awareness, helping them recharge while still remaining engaged with the cause.

Breaking Into Mainstream Comedy: Taking Veganism Beyond the Bubble

Brace is now expanding Dawn Chorus beyond vegan audiences and into mainstream comedy circuits. With shows like I Can Make You Vegan—which invites non-vegans to endure an hour of comedy mixed with hard truths—he’s daring audiences to confront their beliefs. He’s also performing in competitions and stand-up shows to test how far he can push vegan messaging through humour.

“There’s a Dame Edna quality to Dawn,” Brace explains, referencing the iconic character known for blending charm with blunt honesty. With this character-driven approach, he hopes to challenge non-vegan audiences without making them feel alienated.

Advice for Emerging Activists and Artists

Brace’s advice to those looking to merge creativity with activism is simple: “Use the skills you already have and just start. The animals don’t care how they’re saved—they just want out.” Whether it’s through comedy, music, or any other art form, Brace believes in the power of creativity to bring people together and inspire change.

He also stresses the importance of finding a supportive community. “When I started stand-up, it was lonely,” he recalls. “But the vegan community is different—they’re supportive, they’re excited to see you succeed, and they’re always ready to help.”

The Future of Dawn Chorus: Pushing Boundaries and Making Waves

With a packed schedule of performances and a growing online presence, Brace shows no signs of slowing down. From festivals like Vegan Campout to plans for new comedy specials, he’s committed to using his craft to advocate for animals while creating spaces for reflection, humour, and community.

“I’ve finally found what I want to do,” Brace says with confidence. “And it’s the perfect mix of comedy and compassion.”

Dawn Chorus isn’t just a character—it’s a movement, a source of relief, and a symbol of creative activism that shows us how laughter and empathy can coexist in the fight for a better world.

To stay updated on Lee Brace’s work, follow him on social media, and catch his performances across the UK. Dawn Chorus is making waves—don’t miss the chance to laugh, reflect, and act.

🔗 Listen to the full podcast interview here