[1] They are the creators, writers and stars of the BBC Radio 4 series The Casebook of Max & Ivan[2] and Channel 4 Comedy Blap The Reunion.

The duo met at Royal Holloway, University of London[4] where they produced the radio show (and later podcast) Max and Ivàn: Exposed for the college's Insanity Radio station.

[7] In episode 73 of The Comedian's Comedian with Stuart Goldsmith, Max & Ivan describe their live shows as narrative sketch comedy; writing character-led narratives that feature interweaving plot lines.

They perform these multi-character shows with no costume changes and minimal use of props.

[8] Comedy acts that Max & Ivan have cited as influences include The League of Gentlemen, Victoria Wood, Lucas and Walliams, Steve Coogan and the Marx Brothers.