After getting a horrible tummy bug last week, I found myself struggling to keep on top of things. I’ve been really lucky recently to bag some good comedy and spoken word gigs, so I was prepared to do anything but cancel! That’s why I found myself on a bus to Bath, wearing a tenna lady pad and clutching a box of imodium melts for dear life. I’d made it through to Heat 5 of Bath Comedy Festival’s New Act competition, and I was determined to give it my best shot despite feeling poorly.
Having survived the bus trip without incident, I walked with purpose to the venue. Nine budding ‘new’ stand up comedians all did our 5 minute sets. ‘New’ in the comedy world can mean youve been gigging anything up to two years. This was my 17th gig ever. I performed well,getting lots of laughs, and compliments at half time from audience members. But it was a secret judge deciding the winner, sadly, not an audience vote. The two guys going through were actually highly deserving, both having been around a bit longer than me, and very funny too. Will Hall and Micheal Akadiri are names to watch out for! I was just pleased i didnt soil myself on stage. That weekend, I was feeling much better, and performed for the first time in my home town of Shepton Mallet. I did some of my comedic poetry at spoken word event “Art Bank Voices” along with some really talented other local poets and storytellers. Dimitri from The Art Bank Cafe says he’ll definately be running the event again. I’ve also heard that local comedian and promoter Tim O’Connor will be hosting a comedy night at the town centre venue. Spoken Word is something I’ve written and performed for over 15 years. I was part of a slam poet collective in the West Midlands and all this time later, I’ve been chosen to headline at Leamington Spa Poetry Festival, with former poet laureatte Giovanni ‘Spoz’ Esposito. Doing my stand up comedy course took me way out of my comfort zone, and performing still makes me anxious, but now I’m fusing stand up with poetry and spoken word, it feels more ‘me’, and I know I’m on the right track. You can catch me at ‘Funny Women’, Alchemy 193, Gloucester Road , Bristol 8pm Wednesday 17th April - 9.30pm the same night at ‘Smoke & Mirrors’ Bristol. Then ‘This Next Act’ Kingsdown Vaults, Bristol ,Easter Sunday from 7pm and closer to home at ‘VenueFest’ in Wells on Sunday 5th May from 1pm till late. In other news, Radio Shepton is now on air 24/7 at www.radioshepton.com I present a weekend morning show called ‘Good Moaning Shepton’ which is a light hearted look at local issues from dog poop to pot holes, traffic to council elections and everything inbetween. I’d love to hear from you. Message the show’s page at fb.me/goodmoaningshepton it’s all in good fun!
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