First, it is great to be back! Comedy is bouncing around the beautiful city of Sheffield once more and, after the brilliant year of stand-up talent we had in 2022, I’m sure as performers and promoters we are going to strive to replicate -if not exceed the success – in 2023.
At this point, I would like to thank all the brilliant promoters around the city for putting on great nights and truly making Sheffield the epicentre of Yorkshire comedy! It is just wonderful to get messages from esteemed comics from around the country, but especially from those in cities like Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds, to name but a few, who are itching to perform here in the Steel City.
STAND-UP: WHAT DOES IT TAKE?
As regular readers of this column will know, one of the nights that I promote is a development night at The Ship Inn (Kelham Island). This is for new acts (less than 10 gigs in), but we also sprinkle some stardust with established performers on the night so that we can royally entertain the audience with this Monday night gig. I get asked quite a bit by potential performers, “What does it take to be able to go on stage and deliver stand-up? It must be scary?”
My answer is this: you need a great and receptive audience that is comedy-savvy and understands that new comics need that love and support when going on stage. We have definitely got that!
Local comedy nights have taken Sheffield by storm in recent years.
Yes, you need good material, so when starting out it is important that you practice. You also need to embrace the nerves – they aren’t a bad thing and can be used as positive energy. We have unearthed some real gems on our nights with the mantra of ‘everyone has to start somewhere’, so if you feel you want to give it a go, come down to our development night to see how it works and have a chat with me about potentially doing five minutes… you just never know!
More info: The Ship Inn Comedy Night (1st Monday of the month)
THE LOCAL SCENE: ONE TO WATCH
My one to watch this month is slightly out of leftfield. Mickey Nomimono (try saying his name after a few glasses of wine) is a DJ who adds comedy and a lot of laughs to his set. He’s performing at the ICONIC Yellow Arch Studios on Friday 24th February. Get yourselves down to see this funny, energetic performer! You will not be disappointed.
BANISHING THE JANUARY BLUES
It’s been so heart-warming seeing the big audiences that have turned out for our nights so far in January. I just didn’t know what to expect after the festive period – you wouldn’t be out of place thinking people had spent up. But there is a real appetite to come out and have a laugh. Another big thank you to you all for turning out – and, again, I know I speak for all the comedians when I say that it is very much appreciated!
Let’s keep supporting these nights and I guarantee we will all keep the levels of funnies as high as always.
Keep safe & I’ll see you at the venues!
Find a local comedy night this month:
Hagglers Corner (No Haggling, Just Comedy, 1st Wednesday of the month)
Picturehouse Comedy (2nd Monday of the month)
Yellow Arch Comedy Club (3rd Thursday of the month)
That’s Entertainment (Indie-Go, City Centre, last Thursday of the month)
Toolmakers (Last Friday in the month)
