Hi Damien. Who are you and what do you do in comedy?
My name is Damien St John and I am a comedy writer.
Tell us about how you first became involved in the comedy world.
At the start of 2011 I found myself on a break from radio, so I signed up for the Amused Moose stand-up course. Twice a week I would commute from Leicester to London in rush hour, write material on the train, perform and workshop said material, then crawl into bed about 1am. I was hooked.
I graduated in the April and began booking myself in for as many open spots as I could, not just down in London but anywhere in the UK that would have me, with a limit of three per week.
A few course-mates and I also set up a regular night at The Horse in Lambeth which ran for about a year. Admittedly, I hogged the mic when it came to MC duty but it was very hard to get those kind of gigs unless you were running your own night, or had been around long enough to be trusted by a promoter.
One year after graduating, I picked up an open spot at the Comedy Store King Gong in London and somehow made the final. That night will stay with me forever.
It was thought that in order to move up in the comedy world (at this stage performing to an audience that wasn't also comedians) having a video of you performing somewhere like the Comedy Store was good currency. And, it was said, that this could be yours for just £5. What a bargain! A golden ticket to gigs where you didn't need to bring your own PA was only a fiver away.
I arrived early and introduced myself to the man running the sound desk. I mentioned to him that I would quite like a video of my performance afterwards and promptly offered him my money. I don't think I said "Kind Sir..." but I remember being exceptionally polite.
He replied with "Don't you want to see if you're any good first?".
I think I did alright that night. It's on the YouTube if you're interested.
My time as a stand-up came to an end soon after as radio came calling once again, but I knew after nights like that (and despite the ones that weren't like that) the desire to be part of the comedy world would never leave me.
Tell us about your comedy favourites.
In my radio life I've been lucky enough to interview many comedy names, including:
Sarah Millican, Tommy Tiernan, Jimeoin, Paul Merton, Milton Jones, Bill Bailey, Tom Stade, Al Murray, Stephen Merchant and Andy Hamilton.
Early influences have been:
Rowan Atkinson
Dave Allen
Sean Hughes
Frank Skinner
Ricky Gervais
Garry Shandling
Steve Martin
Larry David
John Candy
The comedy industry is competitive. Why should people pick you to work with?
I believe wholeheartedly that a great script needs relatable characters, organic conflict, crisp dialogue and attention-grabbing moments.
I also believe I have moments where I am both relatable and conflicted. I also like organic crisps.
What's the best advice you've ever been given, read or heard?
The best advice I was given was to think about the benefit of being in any given situation. In particular, entering writing or performing competitions.
Is it to get some constructive feedback?
Are there networking opportunities?
Is there a promoter you want to notice you?
Do you want to try out some new material?
Will this gig earn you a favour or is it a step up on the ladder?
Can you somehow legally claim the mileage back as a work expense?
I don't think it hurts to have a career plan, even if you're starting out.
Where would you like to be in 10 years' time?
Winning a BAFTA
If you ever get free time, how do you spend it?
My free time is usually spent writing and re-writing.
I also do voiceovers, so I'll record those of an evening once the baby is in bed.
I tend to save the really crazy stuff like wine and sleep for weekend breaks and family holidays.
If a genie offered you one wish, what would you ask for?
The power to abolish coins.
In an artisan coffee shop as much as it irks me to see a flat white that costs £4, I admire the naked simplicity.
Published: Friday 3rd April 2020