Got back behind the mic last night in the function room of a Royal British Legion and it prompted me to share some of the things that I’ve consistently heard & experienced as a woman doing stand-up:

💡When the other acts are introducing themselves to each other, they think you’re there as someone’s partner… (or mother – some of them were YOUNG!)
1️⃣ Being the only woman on the bill
💄 Being asked if you “only do material about women’s stuff”
🤯 People being surprised that you’re one of the acts.

AT THE SAME TIME

🙏 Women in the audience being *genuinely* glad that you’re on stage
👋 Audience members who know exactly the estate pub in Basingstoke that you referenced
🤝 Organisers who make sure that *all* acts feel valued and welcome (and give you the best spot 😉
👏 Well-earned laughter and applause

For anyone who makes their living out of stand-up comedy, they have my utmost respect and admiration (unless they’re an a**hole and god only knows some of them exist). All the miles travelled, time away from family, unpaid slots, nights where they bomb or the tech doesn’t work or in rooms that are not set up properly. The sheer grinding it out that comes with turning that dream into a reality is not for the faint-hearted!

For anyone who wants to try it, I’m telling you that you MUST. Had I not done my first open mic around 10 years ago, I’d have failed to develop what’s become my USP in keynote speaking. Find me someone else with corporate experience who does a one woman show on social mobility….(seriously, if you do, then I’m open to exploring the idea of a double act 🤩).

For me, continuing with stand-up is a way to keep my hand in, sharpen my skills and let off the swears that I absolutely wouldn’t unleash in front of a daytime corporate audience. And cover some topics that sit outside of the business sphere (unless your business relates to intimate waxing in which case hit me up!).

For anyone who puts on grassroots comedy evenings, thank you. For anyone who feels that itch to get behind the mic – I’m here to encourage you. For anyone who’s looking to book a keynote speaker who has raised some laughs in some pretty tough rooms, I’m waving at you!

Enjoyed this post? Intrigued at what I could do for your organisation? Want to book me? Get in touch! Either drop me a line at [email protected] or fill out the contact form 🙂