Amazing Experience6 months ago I decided to take 4 shows to Edinburgh.
I rented a luxury flat in Leith, Edinburgh. Found two Venues - Zoo Southside and Jekyll and Hyde. Then I invited over 60 comics to perform with me.
The enormous highs and lows of promoting all day followed by performing in front of a live audience did create tensions amongst the acts. However the best performers on stage were also the nicest and most professional people off stage – so I look forward to working with them again in the future.
My sister in law Carol had a tough 4 day labour while I was in Edinburgh. I felt torn being in Scotland while my first Nephew was being born in London. Jed and Carol now have a perfect red headed little boy – Rory ‘Lion’ Keenan.
I must mention the Zoo Southside Staff. They were professional and kind. Good spirits and always positive. In particular I want to say thank you to Matt the Technician and Ollie the Floor Manger/Bar Man/Model/Ego booster. Throughout the run at Zoo Southside they were consistent in being friendly and helpful. As were all the members of the Zoo team. I was very impressed and felt privileged to get such great venue support.
I had fantastic Actors and Stand-Up Comics perform with me. My personal favourite was improvisation. I LOVED it. The second Saturday in Edinburgh was a packed house for Improvisation. Standing room only – and still people came in. The show was supposed to last 1 hour but went on for nearly twice that. The audience laughter rocked the venue. The last Saturday was Stand-Ups only. Wow that was wild. Once again the laughter was deafening, it was a massive high. The show went on way past its allotted time slot – but the audience demanded more!
Now I’m back in London I’ve looked at the reviews. I had tough critics! In Edinburgh I had been judging a show by the laughter of the audience and their feedback after the show. 90% of the shows had laughter throughout. 100% of the audience members I spoke to after said they really enjoyed it, would recommend it and that the time flew by. [I do read and take on critics, performers and audience feedback.]
The path to creating a fantastic and funny Comedy is an exciting endeavour. I’m now pursuing the creation of an amazing show in London. Edinburgh was my first attempt at Producing/ Directing/ Writing/ Promoting/ Marketing/ Booking Acts/MCing/Improvising/Acting/Organising Venues etc. Perhaps I shouldn’t have taken 4 shows to Edinburgh? Perhaps I shouldn't of done all the jobs myself? Perhaps the best International Comedy event in the world was a little too ambitious a place to start my comedy career? Perhaps I shouldn’t have accepted the offer of 2 venues? Perhaps I shouldn’t have lived with my acts for the first two weeks or stayed out drinking till the early hours most days?
DAMN I had LOTS of FUN.I know I can't do everything next year so i'm looking to create a business/creative team to take Comic Irrigation forward. Edinburgh was EXCELLENT. I had big laughs EVERYDAY. It’s the most fun I’ve ever had. Even better than diving in the Galapagos Islands, finishing the London to Brighton cycle race, touring India!
I can’t wait till 2007!
