Wednesday was my 65th gig, I mc’d Red Raw at the Stand Newcastle. Having only Mc’d a handful of times, my confidence was lacking. I started the gig by explaining the logistics of the night then delved in to a bit of brand new material, this was a bit of a gamble as usually acts try out new material sandwiched between stuff they know works, the gamble did not pay off. There were a few moments in the night when I stepped on stage and didn’t have a clue what I was going to say, this has to have been the most anxious I’ve ever been on stage.
I spoke to the owner of the club after the gig Tommy, he’s an absolute gem. He gave me bits of advice and a lovely big hug. I’m going to get back on that scary big horse and give it another bash, only this time I’m going to be more prepared.
My brain wasn’t in the game on Wednesday night but I don’t feel like my attire was right either. For some acts what they wear seems to hold no relevance, clothing and appearance has a direct link to how I feel and act. I’ve read that Ross Noble likes to wear skater trainers on stage as they ‘give him a good grounding’ yet are comfortable enough for his high energy routines. On Wednesday I was all in black with tan boots and belt, I wore my hair straight, these are the clothes I wore to work that day, my everyday wardrobe if you like. Usually on stage I like to wear a brightly coloured dress, I feel feminine and confident in heels, I wear my hair curly and my lips are painted red. Appearing on stage as Nicola rather than ‘stand up Nicola’ made me feel uncharacteristically shy and defensive.
So to summarise it wasn’t my lack of preparation that made me a bit rubbish on Wednesday it was because I had straight hair and no lipstick I was like a plucked peacock! I’m basically the Samson of the comedy world!
(Ok maybe I should write some jokes)
