to ask if any of you have had a go at doing stand up comedy?

[ScousyFogarty]

I dont mean professional comedians. I mean amateurs,

It seems a tough gig to me. 5-Live presentershad a go recently. (one did well)

I would like to try it once just to write about it. I dont mean face a hostile audience ...that seems daft. People need to want to listen

Its meant to be entertainment, not war. (I have heard about the hostile comedy clubs in London)

I have followed comedians for most of my life. ( Not the ladies, that would be stalking.)

worrall well, men have had more practice at comedy. Some of the women on the professional circuit are quiet good. (But I dont easily remember names)

Jamie I would find remembering long jokes impossible; and you do need nerve.I prefer talking amusingly. With the rare blast of rougher stuff.

Jeremy, I get the point.

MPs and humour not much of it about. Though a lot of people thought clement Freud was funny. (He of the doggie advert) Years ago, I was on Loose Ends (R4) and Freuds daughter was there. So was the late Neddy Sherrin...quick witted lawyer.

I read a good biog of Spiky Milligan. He seemed to be a long suffering genious. (his P.A suffered too.)

Its amazing how many bril humorourists are depressives. A cruel trick of nature.

I think female comedians have a tougher ride. People cross their arms with this "amuse me" look on their faces. I think men traditionally have felt more confident about "holding court" and expecting people to listen their ramblings in mixed company. I remember this very well from when I was at University. I think some people genuinely feel women aren't as funny. Well I think that MN is full of amusing, clever women.

There are some very good female standups - Victoria wood, sarah Milican, Joyce Grenfell, even! I haven't been to comedy clubs for a long time so I'm not that current.