Funny? Yes. Sexy? Hmmm.

Wonderful gig at the Frog and Bucket last night for the Beat the Frog gong show.

I was on second to last which is always a good spot. 

There were some really good acts on last night and I didn't think I stood at chance at the start. But by the time I went on, the audience of about 200 people were well warmed up (and well-oiled).

My set went down a stormed. I've never experienced such gales of laughter coming back at me - the volume of it almost took my breath away.

As I came off, the other acts congratulated me and for a moment I thought - I'm going to win this.

But no! Once again, when it came to the clap-off, I lost out. In fact I wasn't even close.

The problem may have been that I'm a bit old and a bit fat. Younger and/or cuter guys seem to get the vote of the female audience for some reason. Can't think why.

I don't think I will ever get laughs bigger than I did last night. So does that mean I'll never win it? No - I still could win it one day. Although I might have to bring in a bus load of pensioners to do it.

As I started the set, a rather exuberant young woman screamed at me, "Yeeeeaaaah! Sexy!" I smiled at her and said, "Yes, love. I do understand irony."

I'm not under any illusions.

Sam Brady Stand Up Comedian

Up up and away

Had a marvellous night last night at the Comedy Balloon in Manchester.

For a start I was really bloody funny. No really. I'm not being bigheaded or anything. I rocked.

But if anybody left the venue having wet their pants with laughter, I can't claim all the credit. There were some brilliant acts on and a fantastic atmosphere. I haven't laughed so much for ages. Even though we were all relatively new acts, there were some real quality performances.

And at the end a stranger came up and booked me for his pub. Happy days.

Sam Brady stand up comedian

Well! I'll go to Buxton!

Where were you last night?

You should have been in Buxton. No, really. We had a whale of  a time. It was a smashing gig at the Old Club House to a sell out crowd who were really up for it.

It was also my first paid gig which seemed like a big thrill beforehand - although it's amazing how quickly the novelty wears off and your mind moves on to the next milestone. Since landing that first paid gig, I've been booked to do several more. How wonderful to be paid just to go around the country acting the bloody fool!

I actually got a bit carried away and tried out some brand new material but fortunately it went down a treat. So that would have been fine. But then I pushed my luck a bit too far and embarked on a series of long meandering, directionless exchanges with the audience which apparently made for some very nervous and uncomfortable moments for the promoter who was standing at the back of the room. 

It's not that I shouldn't chat with the audience - but it helps to have some idea of where the conversation is going before you start it. At times I had no idea what was going to happen next. I got away with it. Just.

The headliner, Jamie Sutherland gave me some constructive feedback on how to do it better in future. Then he went on stage and put his own advice into practice. By the end of his set, there was hardly an audience member he hadn't spoken to (or insulted), yet he was in control the whole time. His act went down a storm.

I'm learning a hell of a lot at the moment and my confidence is sky high. Roll on Sunday night - 8pm in Nottingham, then 9pm in Newark.

Finally - it was a really nice surprise to see my old friends Tim and Dawn in the audience, too.  It's always good to have friends there to share the fun with. So come along some time.

love Sam

Sam Brady Stand-up Comedian