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Dear John

Comic conundrum

First published 20th November 2003

John Byrne's new monthly showbusiness advice column kicks off with words of wisdom for a struggling stand-up and practical pointers for an up and coming singer

Question:
Although I have only started doing stand-up recently, my material has had a good reaction whenever I have had a chance to use it. It is just getting the chance that is the hard part. Why is it so hard to find anywhere that does 'open mic' sessions or at least ones that are not booked up for the next six months?

Answer:
Since the live comedy market has become more corporate and not so much the "new rock'n'roll" as the "new chicken in a basket", promotors seem to be a lot shyer of booking open spots into regular gigs. Let's face it, most comedy beginners are pretty painful to watch until they find their feet, including the ones who go on to be brilliant. Audiences who are paying stiff prices for drink, food and the recommended weekly quota of knob gags are a lot less forgiving of amateurs. The knock on effect is that the 'try out' nights that do exist tend to get full up a lot faster.

Perseverance is one of the prime requisites of making it as a comedian so, frustrating as constant phoning may be, keep at it and sign up for any slots that are available, even if they are a few months away. In the meantime get as much practice speaking in public as you can, even if it is the local debating society (probably best to drop the knob gags) and keep turning up to try out nights regularly, not just to check out the form but in case somebody else bottles out and there is a slot available. And if there is not a regular try out night near you, why not consider approaching a local venue and offering to start one? Developing compering skills will increase your stand-up marketability and once your club is a roaring success, do not forget to be nice to people phoning up for open spots.