A Funny Problem

Paula G · Post by **Paula G** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 5:59 pm

I have long wanted to try stand up, I have done a bit a at Church events where I usually compere and have to do a bit of filling, I often manage to slip in a short routine, but this is in front of friends who know me (or at least they think they do!) and are more or less on my side.
Well a while ago I registered with a pub in South London that has a comedy club and offers first timers a chance, my chance has come through, next Tuesday evening I have the opportunity to do a five minute stand up, and find out if I can make an audience of strangers laugh. So where's the problem? I registered as Paula. now I have to decide if I am going to go ahead and do a set as Paula, swap and do a much less exciting set as Him or bottle out all together.
Which ever way I do the set I have to have a friend with me and stay for the full session. I only have one friend outside of this forum, who knows about Paula, so I will ask if they will come with me, if they can't then I either have to come out to someone else, do the set as Him or pull out. Just at the moment I really can't decide which is the least bad option.

Susan · Post by **Susan** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 6:10 pm

Paula

Would you like us to contribute some jokes? I have some

break a leg!

Paula G · Post by **Paula G** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 6:34 pm

My plan, if I can get a friend to come with me, is to build the set around cross dressing, so any material is welcome, if I can;t use it this time I hope for follow ups (after all I shall be such a hot they are bound to want me back!)
I have sent an e-mail to my only friend who knows about Paula, and am anxciously awaiting his reply! no one with me then I can't do the set.

Anita · Post by **Anita** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 9:19 pm

I've got to agree with you that first-hand crossdressing experience provides a lot more comedy fodder, although I have only done stand-up once, in guy mode. I did a voice-over routine as part of the act, and at one point imitated a woman doing the line. That's as close as I got to my other gender.

It sounds like you want to go for it. I hope your friend who knows can come through for you.

One recommendation--I taped myself doing the act over and over, and watched it like any other member of the audience. It really helped me to get the timing sharp, and do the gestures that worked with the material. When I watched the DVD from the cable broadcast, it was all right there, just like I'd rehearsed it.

Post by **DonnaT** » Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:56 am

Good luck with however you present.

There's some good jokes here, if you can find short ones.

SilverLady(SO) · Post by **SilverLady(SO)** » Tue Jul 12, 2011 7:13 am

Paula G wrote:Which ever way I do the set I have to have a friend with me and stay for the full session.

Is there a reason why you must have a friend with you? Club rules? Personal test? Something else?

I agree with Anita's suggestions . . . practice makes perfect, and the video of your practice sessions is the best way to do it.

Good Luck!!

- SL

Paula G · Post by **Paula G** » Tue Jul 12, 2011 10:46 am

Club rules say that there must be two of you, and stay for the whole evening, so it is a bit of a commitment - I must admit to having second (or is third or fourth) thoughts.

Post by **KimberlyS** » Tue Jul 12, 2011 9:16 pm

Interesting rule. Guess that is one way to get business. Maybe they want a crow of people there to make it better for the first timers like you.

Good luck in what ever you decide to do.

Anthony Simon · Post by **Anthony Simon** » Wed Jul 13, 2011 5:15 am

I know there have been at least some music venues in London who've got a track record of extracting the maximum amount out of performers for the minimal payment by playing on people's need to perform. Maybe this is akin to that. Also when I was at university I had to negotiate for a band to get a job and I remember the shenanigans the promotors (who enjoyed the power) put us and our competitors through. I hope it goes well for you Paula, if you decide to do it (I mean I know you are keen to have a go at the stand-up thing).

I'm a fair distance away and I'd kind of end up doing Robin to your Batman if I turned up (the commitment being as you say). So...

Davita · Post by **Davita** » Wed Jul 13, 2011 8:26 pm

So basically, either way going as Paula or that boy person, you're outing yourself. That's an interesting way to increase the size of your circle who knows.

Myself, I vote you go as Paula and if you need to come out to another friend for company, heck that's just one more person in that new circle isn't he or she?

Good luck, doll. You got more ** than I have

either way you do the stand up.

Rikki · Post by **Rikki** » Wed Jul 13, 2011 9:39 pm

Check out our friend Jessica-Who on Youtube who does CD standup and has lots of great humor in her videos. She has lots of tips on how to be funny without making CDing the joke itself.

Rikki

PhylissH · Post by **PhylissH** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 8:16 am

I would be more than happy to go with you if I lived in London. I love going new places. Good luck Paula. let us know how it goes.

Paula G · Post by **Paula G** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 2:49 am

Following a recent small "surgical procedure" my wife's health has taken a bit of a down turn, so I fear I may well have to withdraw from this particular adventure. I still hope to be able to manage this one day, maybe just not yet, anyway the decision has to be made by Saturday!

Paula G · Post by **Paula G** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 2:10 pm

I have just had areply from my friend who I had hoped might go with me, he can't, there just seems too much stacked against this venture at this time, so I am going to read the runes and call it a day for now.

However interestingly my friend has said that he can;t go because he is working, in my e-mail request to him I stressed that if being with me as Paula woudl make him uncomfortable he should say so, and he didn't!

This is interesting and I shall have to investigate how comfortable he will be to meet Paula properly and in what circumstances heis prepared to be in her company - so not a total wash out.

Davita · Post by **Davita** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 8:36 pm

Good there is some silver lining to them clouds for the adventure.

Sorry about your better half, though. Hope she recovers quickly.