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How To Guides

by Joe Wilson

1) Are you sure?

So, you want to be a club comedian!

Well, the first thing you should be asked is: "Are you sure?"- because your decision to try to enter club stand-up will most probably start a struggle that will go on for years - and may never end.

But if you are determined to give it a go, there are a few tips that could help you on your way.

2) Writing funny material

Firstly, any prospective comedian needs something funny to say or do on stage - and that takes some planning. This may sound an obvious point, but it is amazing how many wannabe comics first step into the spotlight with hardly a thought in their heads.

Unfortunately, there is no magic formula for writing funny material. Many new comics start by writing jokes or routines about what they find funny in their lives. Thus, an Anglo-Greek comic might find a lot of mirth in the friction between the English and Greek cultures and the traditional sayings or habits of his or her Greek parents and grandparents. Or a camp-sounding heterosexual comedian could work on material on the assumptions people make about him, and the difficulty he has in persuading girls that he is not gay.

A great deal of modern stand-up comedy is about the differences between people. Audiences often warm to performers who talk honestly about their traits, but this kind of comedy writing should be seen as merely a starting point.

The weakness of ethnic or gender-related routines is that they often sound cliched. More original humour can come out of the style of performance or sharp social comment. And often the funniest routines appear out of thin air. No one can teach you to write them. Many new comics swear by the comedy courses which you will see advertised in listings magazines. But before handing over your cash, remember these courses are generally taught by comedians who have themselves failed to make a living out of performing comedy.

Their experiences may help you, but these comedy hacks can also stifle real talent and pass on their bad habits.

3) Gigs

Whatever you decide, once you have written and learnt five or more minutes of good material, you will need some gigs. Get the phone numbers of comedy venues and promoters from your local newspaper, or, in London, Time Out magazine, and start ringing round. But don’t expect or ask to be paid. At first, you will be given unpaid “try-out” or “open spots”, generally of five to ten minutes. Remember: don’t over run your allotted time. And get off the stage if it is going badly.

After your first gig, how fast you progress depends on how funny and original you are - and how hard you work. Stand-up comedy is a bitchy world. Don’t criticise other comedians. Concentrate on developing your own act. And most important of all, enjoy comedy. If you love your work, performing stand-up comedy will prove a reward in itself. Good luck!

RESOURCES

Chortle - UK comedy guide with some advice on how to write comedy

"The Writers Room" - BBC Writers resource