This last week I spent time on Dec Munro‘s intensive stand-up comedy course, at the Angel Comedy Club, at the Bill Murray in London.
It was a great bunch of people, all very interesting and I learned a lot.
Now, I am under no illusions that I will ever be the next Bill Bailey, Jack Dee or Kevin Bridges… but it has been eye-opening and, prancing around on stage aside, hopefully with some tips for future events.
But there are also a few wider lessons or observations, ones we can all take away, which have also happened as a result of getting out the the usual orbit.
Every industry has more “jobs” that you notice
Getting a peak behind the curtain, the week illustrated just how many different roles sit behind what you see on stage.
It’s not always just about the “lead guitar player” or the star of the show, because behind this are an army of writers, producers, bookers, organisers, loggers and advisers making it work.
And, honestly, that’s true everywhere. Every industry has a whole ecosystem of roles that matter, even if they are not the ones you may immediately think of.
Sometimes the most useful or influencial, person in the room isn’t the one holding the microphone. Something also true back at the office this week.
It’s not just about the content – it’s the way you tell it
Comedy is very much about delivery. As the saying goes, it is “not just what you say, but how you say it”.
Timing, tone, confidence and rhythm all matter.
The same words can land completely differently depending on how they are positioned ordered or communicated.
It is hard not to see the parallel of this at work.
Thinking about the audience, the environment, and how a communication is positioned is as important as say the messsage itself… bring people along with you.
Get out of that cosy circle (it wakes you up)
Last week reminded me just how important and powerful it is to get out and meet new people.
Getting out, going to different events, meeting people (great people) outside of your normal ‘bubble’ is completely refreshing… you end up buzzing with new ideas.
In 2026 doing something that nudges you out of that safe, familiar loop can really open up new ways of thinking and new opportunities… it is worth a shot.
Get over your fear and try new things
Finally, and simply, you just have to go and try these things. There are a millions reasons to hestitate, put stuff off and just not do it…. ignore this.
Putting yourself out there, feeling a little bit of fear and doing something new is so rewarding. If it doesn’t work, so what, try again.
And, this is the attitude to take back to work, not necessarily because you’re going to become the next comedian, but because it moves us forward.
And with the January Blues well and truely upon us, it feels like a good time to be thinking about all this as we head into 2026.
Have a good week everyone
PS.. look out for me on the OpenMic circuit next 🤣 – open for recommendations 😂 #SproutsAreFun @SproutsAreFun
PPS.. there were some great comedians in the the group this week… future stars right here. Follow them on instagram for the latest gigs and sets at the links below.
