Edinburgh Fringe Day 4 (sorry for the delay)
Day four was the longest day for me with a number of open mic slots lined up. Today's theme is going to be 'time', yes, 'time'.
I fell foul of sets overrunning this day. In the first instance I was due to close the show but due to previous acts staying on longer than they should (even with prompts from the MC). The result of this and limited available time for my set was reduced to 5 minutes. I wasn't overly chuffed but still grateful for the time and at least I could say that I was headlining. This problem can go the other way.
There was an issue at the end of the day today at the White Horse where the show overran and a result the planned recording after didn't tae place (the next show was complaining).
As I was the last to go on I naturally assumed that I had overrun, it seems that I did. The MC was to give me a minute warning for the end of my set but as it was going well this didn't happen at 9 minutes but later. Nonetheless I was the last on so thought nothing of this.
Anyhoo some upset was caused but it was all fine by the next day when we'd all had a chance to breath and talk. The subject of time keeping is very important. Sets can vary, audience reaction can vary the length of a set dramatically. For example an unresponsive audience will usually elicit the reaction of the comedian rushing from line to line in search of a laugh.
Some stick so rigidly to a script that when this happens they shall flounder and the nerves show...and so it goes on.
The way I approach my 'routine', for want of a less oxymoronic word is more like pic and mix. I try and judge the crowd and select my jokes accordingly. Believe it or not, not everyone likes Alan Bennett (fewer have never heard of him). The upshot of this is that my set can vary. For this reason I always ask for a nod from the MC when there I have a minute to wind it all up and play THE Bowie song. So remember kids - be like the willow, be flexible.
My sets all went well today and all was good.
I do now need to mention Frank Sanazi : Das Vegas 3... I joined Harlow chum Gary Shaw for the show (2-4-1 deal) and in the Voodoo Lounge we had a couple of beers before the show started. I still cannot work out if I was offended or entertained, but it is probably both. The main act was amusing, the strippers were unusual. I cannot claimed to have been titillated by these as they were strange indeed. I had seen nudity, Nazi's and intestines by the end. I think I did enjoy it but maybe three beers before the start was not a great plan.
What have I learned today? Don't outstay your welcome and always wee before a gig.
I fell foul of sets overrunning this day. In the first instance I was due to close the show but due to previous acts staying on longer than they should (even with prompts from the MC). The result of this and limited available time for my set was reduced to 5 minutes. I wasn't overly chuffed but still grateful for the time and at least I could say that I was headlining. This problem can go the other way.
There was an issue at the end of the day today at the White Horse where the show overran and a result the planned recording after didn't tae place (the next show was complaining).
As I was the last to go on I naturally assumed that I had overrun, it seems that I did. The MC was to give me a minute warning for the end of my set but as it was going well this didn't happen at 9 minutes but later. Nonetheless I was the last on so thought nothing of this.
Anyhoo some upset was caused but it was all fine by the next day when we'd all had a chance to breath and talk. The subject of time keeping is very important. Sets can vary, audience reaction can vary the length of a set dramatically. For example an unresponsive audience will usually elicit the reaction of the comedian rushing from line to line in search of a laugh.
Some stick so rigidly to a script that when this happens they shall flounder and the nerves show...and so it goes on.
The way I approach my 'routine', for want of a less oxymoronic word is more like pic and mix. I try and judge the crowd and select my jokes accordingly. Believe it or not, not everyone likes Alan Bennett (fewer have never heard of him). The upshot of this is that my set can vary. For this reason I always ask for a nod from the MC when there I have a minute to wind it all up and play THE Bowie song. So remember kids - be like the willow, be flexible.
My sets all went well today and all was good.
I do now need to mention Frank Sanazi : Das Vegas 3... I joined Harlow chum Gary Shaw for the show (2-4-1 deal) and in the Voodoo Lounge we had a couple of beers before the show started. I still cannot work out if I was offended or entertained, but it is probably both. The main act was amusing, the strippers were unusual. I cannot claimed to have been titillated by these as they were strange indeed. I had seen nudity, Nazi's and intestines by the end. I think I did enjoy it but maybe three beers before the start was not a great plan.
What have I learned today? Don't outstay your welcome and always wee before a gig.