Comic Relief: My Experience as a Newbie Comedian

By Matt Horn, February 5, 2016

This year I turned 50, a milestone in any person’s life. It can also mark the onset of a midlife crisis, so instead of buying a flash car or having an affair, I decided to have a crack at stand-up comedy.

In truth, when I joined forces with Hong Kong-based comedian Michael Dorsher to set up Dr. Panda Comedy Club, it was partly with this goal in mind. Having helped give birth to Dr. Panda – and we all know how hard it is to produce new pandas – I felt I had a fair shout at asking Michael to give me a go.

Generously, he said yes and I have now gone on stage three times for an experience that is simultaneously thrilling and truly terrifying.

Set one focused on my wife, a rich seam of material for comics to mine, but I made the classic beginner’s error. I was so wrapped up in my comedy debut that I stayed on stage for more than ten minutes, having been told to do five. The signal to get off is a shining light, but all I could see were laughing faces and I did not want to leave.

Finally, when a rival Liverpool fan in the audience started to heckle me as a backer of Manchester United, Michael rode to my rescue and dragged me off.

Set two I went local with a shorter, more focused set based on my experiences at the Bank of China – anecdotes luckily relatable to most in the audience. The fact I got praise from headliner Tom Rhodes, who is hilarious, is something I will cherish forever.

But every comedian admits dying on stage and for me, last month’s third time proved painfully unlucky. I didn’t need a full coffin, but a bit of mouth to mouth was in order.

In a way, playing the same venue in front of the same people is tough, as each time the material has to be fresh and different. Ideally, I would like to spread my wings, try other places and work to improve the first two sets, which went well.

After just three shows, I remain a total novice, but a novice who is determined to improve and learn from past mistakes. I have always been able to make people laugh in social settings, but it’s a whole different ball game when under the lights and on stage.

It is pointless trying to pass on any advice, as I am still at the point of receiving rather than giving, but I would urge anyone who is thinking about having a go to do it! It really is a great laugh.