Get ready for a deep dive into the unpredictable world of comedy with Duncan Hart, a seasoned comedian who's seen it all. In this episode, Duncan takes us on a journey through his fascinating career, from his early dreams of becoming a scientist and actor to discovering his true calling in comedy. He opens up about the trials and triumphs of his first gigs, the ever-changing comedy scene, and the daunting task of returning to the stage after a hiatus.

Duncan doesn't shy away from sharing the tough moments either—like bombing on stage and the toll it took on his confidence. But it's not all doom and gloom; he also recounts the high points, revealing the secret sauce to a successful gig and the importance of an engaged audience. You'll hear about his unique approach to joke writing, where personal experiences meet careful refinement, and get a sneak peek into some of his favourite routines.

Beyond stand-up, Duncan sheds light on his diverse career in comedy and television, including where he worked alongside some of comedy’s greats. As he talks about his future projects, including plans for comedy specials and a production company, Duncan offers invaluable advice to aspiring comedians and even shares a quick laugh from The Little Book of Sh*t Jokes.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the gritty, hilarious, and often heartwarming world of comedy, where every gig is a new adventure.

LINKS:

Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod

Duncan Hart:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duncanhartcomedy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dunkiedunk/

www: https://www.opengatecomedy.tv/

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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

In this episode, Reb Day takes us through her comedy journey - from working behind the scenes in production to stepping into the spotlight as a stand-up comedian. She opens up about the highs and lows of her time on stage, and how she got into the industry by building contacts from working in TV and running a You Tube channel. A lady of many talents, 1 million downloads on Spotify and 50k followers across social media platforms.

Reb gives us a glimpse into her creative process and how she crafts her jokes - how she pulls on life experiences to entertain her audience. As the conversation unfolds, Reb shares stories from her gigs in London and Hertfordshire and reveals her ambition to take a show to the Edinburgh Fringe in the future.

She and Marc dive into their experiences with comedy festivals, discussing the hefty costs associated and the barriers this creates for up-and-coming comedians. They also talk about their shared dreams of doing longer shows and eventually performing on big stages like Live at the Apollo. The episode wraps up with some fun banter about choosing the perfect walk-on music and the joys of telling jokes straight out of a joke book.

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LINKS:

Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod

Reb Day:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebstagram

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reborahdaymond?lang=en

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/c/rebday

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3YUf4BbXYSPM3RNySJaJ9J

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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

In this episode, we dive into the witty world of Mark Rivlin, a master of puns and one-liner jokes. Mark takes us on a delightful journey through his comedy career, starting with his early influences and love for collecting vinyl comedy albums. He shares how his passion for wordplay shaped his comedic style and recounts the story of his first gig—an experience that didn't quite hit the spot but ultimately helped him find his comedic persona.

Mark emphasises the invaluable lessons learned from bombing on stage and the camaraderie that thrives among comedians. He gives a shout-out to some rising stars in the industry and delves into his unique approach to crafting jokes, underscoring the significance of audience reaction.

The conversation also ventures into the realm of potentially offensive jokes and the varied reactions they provoke. Adding another layer to his multifaceted life, Mark discusses his role as a cricket umpire and his book 'Secret Umps,’ which offers an insightful look into the world of recreational cricket and the challenges umpires face.

Listeners will hear about the trials and tribulations of umpiring, dealing with on-field behaviour and abuse, and why Mark prefers the traditional test matches over shorter formats. The episode also touches on monetising comedy writing and the vital importance of supporting fellow comedians.

Join us for a fascinating and laughter-filled conversation with Mark Rivlin, where comedy and cricket intersect in the most entertaining ways.

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LINKS:

Open Mic Comedy Pod: https://www.instagram.com/openmiccomedypod

Mark Rivlin:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rivlinmark

Secret Umps Book: https://secretumps.co.uk/

eMail for Bookings: rivlinmark@gmail.com

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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com