In this episode, comedian Paul Certi takes us through his journey into comedy, starting from being a youngster, when he first discovered his knack for making people laugh, to finally diving into stand-up in his thirties. He opens up about the challenges he faced early on, like his first gig doing The Blackout at Up The Creek and King Kong, where he learned just how much he still had to figure out. Paul stresses the importance of preparation, constantly refining material, and adapting to new situations. He also talks about how embracing failure and learning from each performance is key to growth in comedy.

Paul shares his experiences performing in competitions and doing gigs outside of London and how competitions shouldn’t be taken too seriously, instead encouraging comedians to focus on the long-term journey. He compares the differences between audiences in various cities and countries, noting that crowds outside London often bring a special kind of energy and enthusiasm. Reflecting on his time in the ‘So You Think You’re Funny’ competition, Paul talks about the balance between refining a set and experimenting with new material.

Throughout the conversation, Paul and Marc dive deep into what it takes to make it in comedy: persistence, consistency, and the ability to get comfortable with discomfort. They touch on topics like following strong acts, and the tricky art of handling sensitive subjects on stage, all while reading the room.

This episode is packed with personal stories, insights into the comedy world, and a lot of humour, making it a great listen for anyone interested in the art of stand-up.

LINKS:

Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod

Paul Certi:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulcerti/

https://www.tiktok.com/@paulcerti

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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

In this episode, we sit down with Laura Quinn Goh, a dynamic comedian whose journey spans continents, from her beginnings in Asia to performing in Scotland and London. Laura dives deep into the nuances of the comedy scenes in these diverse locations, highlighting the smaller yet more supportive community she found in Scotland compared to the bustling circuit in London.

Laura also opens up about her upcoming one-woman solo show, ‘You, Me, and Your Correctional Officer.’ This deeply personal performance chronicles her experience of falling in love with a man facing the death sentence in Asia and how that transformative event led her to remake her life in the UK. Laura shares the emotional and creative challenges of writing and performing such an intimate piece, offering insight into how creating a compelling narrative can resonate with audiences.

In addition, Laura reflects on her broader comedy journey. She discusses the unique challenges of being an international comedian, particularly the need to adapt to different cultural references and comedic styles across various regions. Laura shares her writing process, emphasising the importance of honesty and constructive feedback within the comedy community. She also provides valuable advice for newcomers to the industry, stressing the significance of work-in-progress shows as a means to refine material before a final performance.

The conversation touches on the differences between performing in open mics and gong shows, the transition from short to longer sets, and the importance of diversity in comedy lineups. Laura also speaks candidly about the sometimes unwelcoming nature of the comedy circuit and the importance of fostering supportive relationships within the community. As she looks to the future, Laura expresses her ambitions to continue evolving her craft, bringing her show to more festivals, and developing new shows that push the boundaries of comedy.

LINKS:

Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod

Laura QuinnGoh:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraquinngoh/

Solo Show Details:

You, Me, and Your Correctional Officer

Dates: Friday 4 October 2024

Times: 8.30pm show start, 8.15pm doors open

Tickets: https://wicf.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873647000

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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Get ready for a deep dive into the unpredictable world of comedy with Duncan Hart, a seasoned comedian who's seen it all. In this episode, Duncan takes us on a journey through his fascinating career, from his early dreams of becoming a scientist and actor to discovering his true calling in comedy. He opens up about the trials and triumphs of his first gigs, the ever-changing comedy scene, and the daunting task of returning to the stage after a hiatus.

Duncan doesn't shy away from sharing the tough moments either—like bombing on stage and the toll it took on his confidence. But it's not all doom and gloom; he also recounts the high points, revealing the secret sauce to a successful gig and the importance of an engaged audience. You'll hear about his unique approach to joke writing, where personal experiences meet careful refinement, and get a sneak peek into some of his favourite routines.

Beyond stand-up, Duncan sheds light on his diverse career in comedy and television, including where he worked alongside some of comedy’s greats. As he talks about his future projects, including plans for comedy specials and a production company, Duncan offers invaluable advice to aspiring comedians and even shares a quick laugh from The Little Book of Sh*t Jokes.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the gritty, hilarious, and often heartwarming world of comedy, where every gig is a new adventure.

LINKS:

Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod

Duncan Hart:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duncanhartcomedy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dunkiedunk/

www: https://www.opengatecomedy.tv/

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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com