The Stand Spotlight: Comedy Spotlight

The Spotlight gigs are tied to an interesting theme, but it isn't just about the topic – how does the format of the night work?

“Every month we invite some of the best up-and-coming comedians to shine a light on a different topic, tying in with our charity theme. Acts are challenged to write new jokes for the Spotlight shows, so it's the first chance to see brand new material – and ticket money goes to a good cause! Each show features six acts who are new to the comedy scene. They each do ten minute sets, plus a young act trying their hand at compering ties it all together.”

What's it been like seeing your own idea become a regular staple each month?

“I conceived the shows as a way to bridge two of my purposes here at The Stand – I book the Red Raw shows and I book charity benefit nights. We often have lots of good acts who are ready to go beyond Red Raw so I figured this would be a useful way to blend a new material night, encouraging acts to develop their writing, with a fundraiser event bringing audiences to the club who maybe wouldn't otherwise think to attend a comedy show.

"It's been rewarding receiving positive feedback from acts who found the challenge of the format useful and from charities who receive a donation with minimal effort on their part. I’m delighted the shows will continue into 2017.”

In the past the spotlight has shone on topics such as Health, Feminism and Taking Risks. What topics do you have planned for the next gigs?

“The final show this year – 23 November at The Stand Edinburgh – will focus on 'New Beginnings' with proceeds going to the Refugee Survival Trust. For the first show of 2017 we'll be covering the theme 'Growing Up' and to coincide with a certain hallmark holiday in February we have a Spotlight planned on 'Love'.”

Does the topic come first or do you have certain charities in mind when thinking about future gigs?

“Sometimes it's the topic and sometimes it's the issue. I’ve particularly focused on charities assisting refugees, as this is urgent work and I must do what I can to help in some small way. Children’s charities and mental health organisations are particularly close to my heart so the first few shows have included them as beneficiaries.

"I try to choose a good range of charities, particularly smaller ones who don't receive a lot of funding. I also try to programme thought provoking themes that will draw a variety of people to the club and have found the most controversial theme – Feminism – was the best attended.”

Has any comic offered particular insight into a topic you were not expecting, and if so who is this wise comedian?

“At our very first show, Donald Alexander taught us the nuances of feminist issues around buying mascara – thoroughly informative! For the Mental Health show in aid of Penumbra, Daisy Earl brought a set that really knocked it out the park. Her work was massively honest and brave, original and truly very funny – her hilarious bit about the Russian bear is part of her regular club set so go see her if you get the chance.

"What's been best to watch is the range of different insights people bring to the same theme; all of the acts have brought an unexpected slant as they spin their own yarns.”

When collecting for a charity someone once bluntly told us, “I've never given to charity and I never will.” What powers would you deploy to get such an obstinate person into a charity giving mood?

“Firstly, I’d point out they were being a knob and if they didn’t hit me, I’d invite them down to Spotlight to see that it’s really only the acts who are donating anything for free – the shows are excellent fun, it’s the same high quality laughs you’d get other nights of the week, the only difference is the money goes to charity and you’re supporting the development of new comedy.”

What advice would you give a newer comedian wanting to catch your interest for a gig?

“Graft your way through all the open spot gigs going, be humble and polite and bring a well constructed, polished set to our Red Raw shows. I watch the acts every Monday and these shows are the main basis for progression with us. What I'd also say is the twee and overused 'be yourself' – but it matters. I don't want to see acts doing well trodden themes to get easy laughs, I want to see something that intrigues and surprises me and delights the audience. The only way to do that is to make it personal, just as the Spotlight shows are to me.”