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Dear John

Nothing funny about insecurities

First published 20th May 2004

Question:
I recently began cultivating a career in stand-up comedy. Although I have been told that I am funny, when I see other acts, I sometimes become intimidated and my own act suddenly seems to pale into insignificance. I am wondering how I can overcome this and learn to have faith in myself and my abilities.

Answer:
You are in very good comedy company if this is one of your concerns. Bob Monkhouse once said that when you are quaking in the wings, waiting to go on, even the most inexperienced beginner who goes on before you seems, if only to you, like one of the best comics in the world.

Since Monkhouse, on top form, was certainly one of the top comics in the world, it just goes to show that what we feel and what the facts actually are can be two entirely different things. I have also worked with top musicians who, when they hear a record they played on, hear "professional musicians and me".

Our own work never sounds the same to us as it does to others and we tend to be much more aware of the flaws. As a comic, you have already heard all your jokes before, so anyone else's are bound to sound newer, if not funnier. You have mentioned that audiences think you are funny and when it comes to making it as a comic, their opinion certainly counts. If you were over confident, you would be in far more danger of failing, so keep gigging and whether or not you ever fully conquer your nerves, rest assured that, like Bob, experience will help you manage them.