I’ve just arrived back home from my second open mic, and I’m not in the best of moods. The gig went well – I got laughs, but I’m not happy with how I performed or how I conducted myself. Let me explain.

The open mic followed the “bringer” format, meaning that in order to perform for five minutes a comedian must bring at least one friend who stays for the length of the gig. And whilst I fundamentally disagree with this format (it is exploitative of the promoter to pin the marketing of the event on the comedian – but that’s a subject for another post), I decided to keep my objections to myself and bring a friend. Except my friend pulled out at the last minute. Shit. So I had to take an inadvertent stand.

I turn up and am immediately unimpressed by the venue. It’s the back room of a pub. The PA is set up incorrectly; the “spotlights” are two desk lamps on tables; and the only thing between the raucous sound of the regular pub goers and the room is a curtain. No problem, I figure. It’d be arrogant to expect anything better considering my lack of experience.

Ah, arrogance – an aspect of my personality I really do hope to one day overcome. No need to be nervous, I told myself. You killed it last time. You’ll be even better here. Continue reading →