Quote: sardines @ April 28 2009, 4:18 PM BSTNah, cleaning jokes might accidentally get a laugh.
No trust me, you'll be packing them in, Sardines!
Comedy virgin seeks stand up advice Page 4
What's packing them in mean?
In all seriousness though, I've done a few sets of different styles... oddly the one that went best was one I done seated ripping off Dave Allen's style quite a lot, the one that went worst was the punchline filled "enthusiastic" one cos it went so heavily against my natural mannerisms.
Haven't had a chance to do my inevitable Stewart Lee imitation, which I can only imagine would annoy most the people.
You should just do whatever you're most comfortable doing first time.
Basically the format doesn't suit me at all but when it goes well it's a fantastic confidence booster that drives me into trying out more things, which I don't do near enough.
Quote: sardines @ April 28 2009, 4:42 PM BSTHaven't had a chance to do my inevitable Stewart Lee imitation, which I can only imagine would annoy most the people.
That would annoy me - I'd think you were just copying someone else. 
How long was your set when you were doing your Dave Allen?
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ April 28 2009, 5:51 PM BSTThat would annoy me - I'd think you were just copying someone else.
How long was your set when you were doing your Dave Allen?
Well I wouldn't BE Stewart Lee, who could? It'd be just that sort of monotonous, (faux-)arrogant style.
Dave Allen was meant to be 10, went over to like 13(?). Was told I should've just walked off at the 10 minute mark cos the rest of it changed style and was pi-(swearing isn't allowed here?) urine poor.
The best advice I can give is to be truthful, don't make up stories or even use other peoples stories. I made the mistake of telling on of my mates embarassing stories and it just didnt come off. I got lucky as the rest of my stuff was good.
Always start with what u think is your funniest joke.
Just out of curiousity, where is your stand up competition? 
Hi Darren,
The competition is at the Komedia in Brighton.
It is a heat of the Funny Women competition. There is a small comedy show at a local pub tonight so I may pop along and ask to have a go- I have never done stand up before but have to tp the age where I am more scared of NOT trying stuff than doing it, if that makes sense.
i meant'got to the age' sorry!
Quote: Darren Pomroy @ April 29 2009, 9:33 AM BSTThe best advice I can give is to be truthful, don't make up stories or even use other peoples stories.
I don't agree with this. The truth isn't often that funny. I can't think of any stand-up who only relates facts about themself as gags - apart from you Darren.
Emotional truth should be at the heart of everything. That and a f**k of a lot of swearing.
For the gig I have invented a fictional brother that I can refer to and the various problems he has. Probably because I have a dull life!
Is he called Kevin?
Hi Marc,
I am not normally a sweary-Mary but in my material I do use the word c*ck - which is about as potty mouthed as it gets!
no, he's called Mikey
Quote: Kate Lane @ April 29 2009, 9:47 AM BSTHi Marc,
I am not normally a sweary-Mary but in my material I do use the word c*ck - which is about as potty mouthed as it gets!no, he's called Mikey
Quite right too. I was only joking. The harsh juxtapostion of a spiritually centred comedic philosophy butting up against the word f**k!
Too many long words and I've had no caffeine yet!
Quote: Kate Lane @ April 29 2009, 9:47 AM BSTHi Marc,
I am not normally a sweary-Mary but in my material I do use the word c*ck - which is about as potty mouthed as it gets!no, he's called Mikey
His surname's not Hunt is it?
Or J ?