Out of character

Dog update: Poppi has pooped out yesterday’s alien knickers, a gross mixture of poo and cloth: a whole new meaning to being on your rag. (I’m sorry that’s so disgusting) She snapped at me when I tried to take a pair off her this morning, and then continued to sit in expectation of her morning treat; I still gave her it because she’s spoilt.

I have a house rabbit named angel, he waits each morning in the hall way for a chocolate button: this is the only interaction he’ll have with me. The fat get.

Last night was my 19^th gig! I performed at As you like it in Jesmond. It’s a beautiful place very nicely decorated inside, me and my esteemed colleague and 8^th best friend, Giselle Nejady, decided we’d like to live there.

I was performing alongside two great acts; Andy Fury and John Scott. Andy has this amazing confidence to improvise on stage, the sound of a cork popping distracted him and he did a whole bit on popping noises. John Scott wore a fez for some of his act, I like silly hats. Both acts made my tummy hurt from laughing. John Smith was the MC for the night. If it wasn’t for John I wouldn’t have even considered doing stand up, he’s pretty much my comedy mentor (gooey moment).

My original act was a highly stylised character; it had elements of burlesque and hinted towards a silly 1950s pin up with an air of feminism. This character was quite niche and so didn’t appeal to all. The character evolved from a bit I wrote ‘tips to be a good wife’ which originally was intended as a tongue in cheek dig at my husband for his negativity about me trying stand up. The character worked for that bit, however when I tried to write some new material and have the same character perform it, it just didn’t work, a tough lesson to learn in front of 150 people.

Comedy can be very competitive, there are plenty of acts who display arrogance, pride, back stabbing and bitchiness. I genuinely believe however that the Newcastle comedy circuit contains some diamond personalities. I value the advice and observations of my peers, whether it is praise or constructive criticism. If I fail massively on stage I don’t want some one to fill me with false hopes and tell me that I was great if I was quite clearly cack, I’d prefer them to say “this is how you can be less cack”.

These are some “how to be less cack” gems of wisdom I’ve received:

• Dan Willis: “If they aren’t laughing at a joke then drop it” (sounds obvious)
• Mick Ferry: “Drop the silly voice, you don’t need it” (racist?)
• Callum Cram: “stick to your material, too much audience interaction can open too many doors” (then he patted me on the ass)
• John smith: “Include more punch lines” (ah those old things)
• Dave MacBeth: “Don’t be too wordy” (what colour is the kettle? hehe)
• George Zach: “actually hold the microphone…and try some jokes about Greece”

So after listening to the constructive criticism from my fellow acts, I’ve re-written my entire set I’ve chopped and changed some old stuff and added some ‘funny ‘cause it’s true’ stuff.  The changes I’ve made evidently paid off judging by the audience’ reaction I think last night was my best gig to date and I’ve got a massive chuff on.