Seriously funny

Truth is the only thing that matters. This may sound a bit serious for a comedian. But actually the business of being funny is deadly serious. With only a couple of days to go, it’s easy to get nervous about bringing a show up to the Fringe. You’re surrounded by a million other comics and managers and producers and audiences from all over the world and it’s easy to get comparative – like one huge communal shower after PE.

For that reason it’s a microcosm of the wider world. We’re all constantly comparing ourselves to Cheryl Cole and Jennifer Anniston (tell me it’s not just me) and sometimes we all feel insecure.

But, it doesn’t have to feel like the rugby showers – if you’re comfortable with yourself, it doesn’t matter what other people are doing. Easier said than done. But surely that’s the job of comedians? If you tell the absolute truth about your experience then no one can criticise, and no one can compare. Because it’s your own. And because it’s a brave thing to talk about. And people will thank you for sharing it – because maybe they thought they were the only one. And they’ll laugh, because they suddenly feel the relief of not comparing, but sharing.

Sometimes people write and say what they’re desperately trying to tell themselves. At this moment, I’m scared. But, as someone once told me, fear is just the flipside of excitement. See you Wednesday.

Tom Allen Toughens Up!
Gilded Balloon Teviot
7:30pm – 8:30pm, 4–29 Aug, not 16