Hi Neil. Who are you and what do you do in comedy?
Hello, my name is Neil. I am a writer / performer. I've been writing sketches since 2013 and performing them on stage since 2016. With sketch group Monkey Wedding in 2016 and 2017 and with sketch group Chaos Theory since 2017.
I have a sketch published on youtube called Bus Spotter, filmed with Monkey Wedding in 2019. Chaos Theory are working to put some more sketches on their webiste. In early 2020 I also finished in the final 10 of the First Laugh Comedy Writing Competition, which was a great achievement given the number of talented comedy writers out there who also entered.
I am teaching myself how to write longer form having done a couple of courses over the past two years.
I currently have another job, which is OK and pays the bills for now but I would love to become a full-time comedy writer.
Tell us about how you first became involved in the comedy world.
I first got involved in 2012. I had just moved to London from Manchester to start a shiny new office job, which turned out to be a complete disaster. I had a mini-breakdown and spent a year trying not to get sacked, a battle I eventually lost. To cheer me up, a lady friend suggested we do a sketch writing course together, something which had never occurred to me. She even bought me my first mini-notebook and pen.
Although my friend bailed on me soon after I went ahead and did the course anyway. It was a runaway success and, emboldened by this new talent I had found, I branched out into stand up and acting courses too so I could find some like-minded souls with whom to perform. I suddenly had this new skill I never knew I could do, and do well. My confidence went from absolute zero to a bit above zero and its still going up.
I am hoping to be successful enough to get a new notebook and pen.
Tell us about your comedy favourites.
My first exposure to comedy was probably the Goodies and The Two Ronnies. Later on my uncle introduced me to Monty Python and the Goons in the 1980's. I've been a fan of sketch shows ever since, I loved Harry Enfield, Little Britain, Vic and Bob, Smack the Pony and the Fast Show, plus many others I forgot to write here.
My early favourites in sitcom were Blackadder series 2-4 and the Young Ones. In America I loved Cheers, Frasier and Seinfeld. More recently I've enjoyed This Country, Fleabag, Brooklyn 99 and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
I also love comedic cartoons. The Simpsons broke new ground, but the one that really made me howl with laughter was the first few seasons of South Park. I loved the Venture Bros (seasons 1-3) and early Aqua Teen Hunger Force. More recently Rick and Morty is one of those shows that's so good I wish I had written it.
The comedy industry is competitive. Why should people pick you to work with?
I suppose the best answer I can give is that I am funny? Does that help? In 2020, I got into the top 10 of the First Laugh Comedy Writing Competition. See!
I am passionate about entertaining people and making them laugh and have spent the few years working on the skills to write sketches and learning to think how someone might perform them. I would love to contribute or produce something that can entertain others. In fact I would say in writing and performing sketches in the Camden Fringe I have already achieved that on a modest scale.
I am very much a newbie, but I am focused on my goal of being a full-time comedy writer. I am happy working on my own to produce my own content but equally enjoy working collaboratively.
Also, I make a mean cup of tea and buy my share of biscuits.
What's the best advice you've ever been given, read or heard?
Trust your instincts: if it makes you laugh the first time you think of it, it's funny. If something doesn't seem quite right, it isn't - the audience will spot it.
Produce consistent results. If you're going to work with people they need to know you are going to produce content when you say you will and to the right standard. But don't over-commit.
Once you've written something, re-write it and edit it down. Make it concise. Make sure its clear and know what you're trying to say.
Comedy is character first, setting second. It's driven by flawed individuals trying and usually failing to get what they want.
Where would you like to be in 10 years' time?
I would like to be in London or Los Angeles (I am flexible!!) being the lead writer on sitcoms that are watched and enjoyed by millions. I would also like to have written a TV sketch show, as I feel there are not enough of them on television any more.
If you ever get free time, how do you spend it?
Watching comedy, though that kind of counts as work these days too.
I play Badminton with friends.
I like going for walks in the park or countryside.
I am also reading classic books I missed out on when I was a younger Neil. I am currently on Pride and Prejudice.
If a genie offered you one wish, what would you ask for?
For the Governments and people of the world to wake up to the reality of climate change. Or just end climate change, depends on whether the Genie prefers us to think for ourselves. Also, I would have a coffee with the Genie, make sure it wasn't wished out.
Published: Thursday 16th September 2021