大象传媒 Scotland - 大象传媒 Scotland - Frank Skinner on the worst thing for comedians to hear during a gig (and it鈥檚 not boos!)

Frank Skinner on the worst thing for comedians to hear during a gig (and it鈥檚 not boos!)

Susan Calman’s Fringe Benefits allows stand-ups the chance to sit down to talk about some of the realities of a life in comedy – one such reality being that comedy is not as easy as it may seem.

Host Susan Calman shared one of the misconceptions she faces to fellow comics Frank Skinner and Sarah Kendall:

“Some people think that when you start stand-up comedy that it just happens that it’s just organic. To sustain 55 minutes for 27, 28 nights at the Fringe, it’s quite hard work!”

The comedians all being in agreement led to Frank Skinner sharing one of his bugbears – a sound audiences make that is genuinely worse than boos: casual conversation.

Frank Skinner and Sarah Kendall talk about dying on stage

Frank and Sarah talk to Susan about dying on stage and the joy of audience interaction.

Smilers are no good鈥� not unless they鈥檙e individually lit.

Frank Skinner

Frank further explained why he finds chatter within a crowd worse than boos or silence:

“Sometimes the audience just call an informal interval, chat casually and go get a drink while you’re still doing material – it’s particularly cruel.”

That said, the famed comedian did suggest that an audible response is preferred over people who silently enjoy his routines:

“Smilers are no good… not unless they’re individually lit.”

Susan Calman’s Fringe Benefits is available on 大象传媒 iPlayer