A strange thing happened at the Beat the Frog gong show last night. I did my best performace to date, my material was tight, I beat the gong and had the best part of 200 people laughing and cheering. And yet I went home slightly disappointed.
That's the problem with gong shows. If you do a great job and beat the gong, but you lose the final clap-off at the end of the evening, it's easy to leave with a sense of rejection, and forget about all the positives of the performance.
I was on first and I really enjoyed myself. The audience seemed to love it. It's rare for an opening act to win because the audience have forgetten you by the time the final clap-off comes around. Even so, I really thought I was in with a chance of winning. But as the evening went on, it became clear that the standard was very high - the highest that I have ever seen at a gong show.
Beat the Frog is probably the best comedy gong show around. The Frog and Bucket Comedy Club is purpose-built for comedy and is played by many of the top names. Monday nights see audiences of 200 - 300 people gathered to watch comedy legends born (and to watch deluded losers die horribly).
In the final clap-off I got a good loud cheer from the audience but I knew it wouldn't be good enough to win. I cursed the fact that I had drawn the opening spot - again! But if I'm honest with myself I have to admit that there were at least two acts that were better than me on the night, so I can't complain.
On the way home I felt a bit deflated. Then it occurred to me that just a few months ago I was pleased just to last 3 minutes before getting gonged off. It made me realise how far I've come in a very short time. And how much I can improve if I keep at it.
Next week I am playing Leeds and Sheffield. My next challenge - Yorkshire!
Bring it on.
Sam Brady Stand-up Comedian
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3 comments:
Yes you have come far, and will go further - much further. You are a continued inspiration to me.
How come you keep getting the first slot?
SC
HI Sam, I was reading your blog and just thinking to myself, 'hang on - just a few months ago, beating the gong was the biggest goal you had'. You're clearing coming along; and then you make the same point. Well done for beating the gong and here's hoping that next time you're drawn closer to the end, and win the clap off. Enjoy Yorkshire. They call it Gods Own County. They're wrong about that, of course. It's Hampshire.
Thanks me darlings.
Yes you're both right. Maybe I should just be pleased with myself rather than trying to win the Perrier award in my first 6 months.
How come I keep getting the first slot? I think it's because I am so keen to confirm my place on gong shows that I'm the first one to get back to them and then I become the first name they put on the list.
I think I just need to ask to be put on in the second half for a change.
I also need to be a bit funnier. :)
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