It’s the summer (well, we’re trying to tell the weather that!) – a time of relaxation and chill. But that won’t slow down Sheffield comedy scene juggernaut and there’s plenty to get stuck into this month!
I’m always grateful to people who come out to be entertained by a local stand-up comedy night. It’s brilliant when audience members really embrace being part of the night, meaning in the form of giving out great banter. This can be a little unnerving for new comics, of course, but I say embrace it! It’ll improve your improv skills and generally help you to think on your feet effectively. That’s key to successful stand-up comedy.
Good audience repartee is brilliant. However, bad heckling and being obnoxious in the audience very rarely ends well when a sharp performer has got a mic in their hands, plus it’s not fair for those around the person who seem to think they’re the major attraction of the night.
I know I’m biased when it comes to the Sheffield audiences, but they are some of the most respectful and comedy-savvy people I have had the honour to perform in front of – and I have been very lucky to have gigged up and down the country.
The best (for want of a better word) interruption on a comedy night was when one of my good friends in comedy was performing a set. At the time, he was quite new to the scene, and had a lady in the audience who clearly had consumed a fair bit of alcohol. She then started to mosey towards the stage through the medium of dance (as awkward as it sounds, especially as there wasn’t any music at the time). We all looked on in amazement, but I genuinely think she thought she was at a silent disco! As you can imagine, it made for a lot of material for the following acts. I’ve also seen the lady in question since and she was mortified … bless her.
Successful comedy nights are dependent on a few factors: good comics, a fantastic audience and supportive venues. Thankfully, we’re blessed on all three of those fronts here in Sheff. So, if you haven’t been along to one of our many monthly nights, why not try it out for yourself?
I’ll sign off with shoutouts for a few comics to watch out for in July. Two of Sheffield’s favourites are back at Yellow Arch Comedy Club for the Angelos Epithemiou & Friends night, The excellent Jonny Brook and Maxine Wade will be performing extended sets at show taking place on Thursday 18 July. Scan the QR code on this page for ticket info!
Elsewhere, Dan Barnes will be guest hosting the increasingly popular Ship Inn Comedy Night on Monday 1 July (you don’t want to miss him!). Lucy Buckley and Alex Leam are also back in Sheffield on Wednesday 3 July at Hagglers Corner (No Haggling, All Comedy) – just two of five acts that will blow the roof off with hilarious sets, I promise you.
I’ll hopefully see you at all of them! Have a great month, and I’ll be back with the column in August.
MONTHLY COMEDY NIGHTS:
The Ship Inn: First Monday of THE MONTH
Hagglers Corner (No Haggling, All Comedy): First Wednesday
Picture House Comedy at Picture House Social: Second Thursday (contact @tomdouglas365 through socials)
Yellow Arch Comedy Club: Third Thursday
