Interesting take. I think that for the sake of the comedy eco system, it's worth having a support act. Done well, it's a bit like the trailers in the cinema. "If you like me, you'll love..." means that audiences have an idea who they might like to go out and see next time they go.
Well I guess nobody is going to complain if the su[port act is great. And yes, it's a good way of newer acts getting a taste of big venues they'd like to headline one day. Trailers in a cinema is a good comparison. Though a bad support can be like the ads in a cinema you have to sit through while sighing...
I’ve supported Tim Vine for over 20 years (mainly coz it’s fun) I think it took about 5 years before the audience finally resigned themselves to the fact that they were stuck with me!
I think its fine either way, having a support act is a great way to see folk you may or may not know about or get to see if its someone from abroad. Its also nice when folks do their own "warm up"
The best show i've ever seen involved a support act, Felicity Ward absolutely smashed it, so much so that I was slightly worried she had been too good as I have seen US comedians struggle before in the UK. Then Maria Bamford came on and also absolutely smashed it, I definitely think having a support act added something to that show
i think I was at that show. Leicester Square Theatre? I do remember a Bamford show there where the audience was about as excited as anyone has ever been at a comedy gig. And yes, they were definitely happy to enjoy the support act as well.
I’m afraid I thought Rose was a poor choice to support Nick. Her material didn’t really chime with the audience, she even made reference to it, the audience were quite hyped by a fifteen minute burst of Mr Swallow. Their sales were utterly deflated by her 20. Even her material was something of an old trope, a theme used by many comics of a certain age and rather tired. We decided they’re probably mates so it’s an easy fit for Nick. His show was fantastic, great writing perfectly, timed and packed with belly laughs. Wish I’d known about his Christmas Carolish. People who took us last night said it was the best Christmas Carol of any sort they’d ever seen
She did keep saying "Richmond" a few too many times and it wasn't the most original material, but I didn't get the impression she was dying onstage, even though a few punchlines didn't land. Maybe he'll do Christmas Carolish again next December, it's very funny.
I recall supporting Reginald D Hunter a few years back at Aberdeen Comedy festival, I had one of my best gigs of my comedy journey. I understand your point of view I sure did win them over and great exposure. For the punters a great opportunity to discover an act they may never see. Jenny ‘s point below is a good one and some punters might feel short changed. Comedians who have support acts have their reasons for doing so, do some promoters insist they have a support act , I don’t know. I think most punters are expecting to see a support act they don’t know who it is which is a surprise. When it goes well it’s a great addition.
That format is fairly standard with tour shows now, and seems to go well. It extends the first half and puts audiences at ease. There are also some audiences who arrive late because it’s “only the support act” so this incentivises people to get to the venue and settled on time.
i think ideally fans would want a full two halves from the act they've bought tickets for but I can see an argument for having a support act and even a quick turn from the headliner at the start to get everyone seated.
Haven’t had a support act for decades - I do 45 interval and then another 45 - it’s the only way to structure a full show - otherwise you are doing a set, a set is not a show . If you’re touring and people are paying £25 plus - they deserve everything you can give them ( also I get all the money - hahaha)
Interesting take. I think that for the sake of the comedy eco system, it's worth having a support act. Done well, it's a bit like the trailers in the cinema. "If you like me, you'll love..." means that audiences have an idea who they might like to go out and see next time they go.
Well I guess nobody is going to complain if the su[port act is great. And yes, it's a good way of newer acts getting a taste of big venues they'd like to headline one day. Trailers in a cinema is a good comparison. Though a bad support can be like the ads in a cinema you have to sit through while sighing...
Agreed
I’ve supported Tim Vine for over 20 years (mainly coz it’s fun) I think it took about 5 years before the audience finally resigned themselves to the fact that they were stuck with me!
I think after all that time you almost qualify as a double act!
I think its fine either way, having a support act is a great way to see folk you may or may not know about or get to see if its someone from abroad. Its also nice when folks do their own "warm up"
The best show i've ever seen involved a support act, Felicity Ward absolutely smashed it, so much so that I was slightly worried she had been too good as I have seen US comedians struggle before in the UK. Then Maria Bamford came on and also absolutely smashed it, I definitely think having a support act added something to that show
i think I was at that show. Leicester Square Theatre? I do remember a Bamford show there where the audience was about as excited as anyone has ever been at a comedy gig. And yes, they were definitely happy to enjoy the support act as well.
I’m afraid I thought Rose was a poor choice to support Nick. Her material didn’t really chime with the audience, she even made reference to it, the audience were quite hyped by a fifteen minute burst of Mr Swallow. Their sales were utterly deflated by her 20. Even her material was something of an old trope, a theme used by many comics of a certain age and rather tired. We decided they’re probably mates so it’s an easy fit for Nick. His show was fantastic, great writing perfectly, timed and packed with belly laughs. Wish I’d known about his Christmas Carolish. People who took us last night said it was the best Christmas Carol of any sort they’d ever seen
She did keep saying "Richmond" a few too many times and it wasn't the most original material, but I didn't get the impression she was dying onstage, even though a few punchlines didn't land. Maybe he'll do Christmas Carolish again next December, it's very funny.
I recall supporting Reginald D Hunter a few years back at Aberdeen Comedy festival, I had one of my best gigs of my comedy journey. I understand your point of view I sure did win them over and great exposure. For the punters a great opportunity to discover an act they may never see. Jenny ‘s point below is a good one and some punters might feel short changed. Comedians who have support acts have their reasons for doing so, do some promoters insist they have a support act , I don’t know. I think most punters are expecting to see a support act they don’t know who it is which is a surprise. When it goes well it’s a great addition.
yes, there's always a chance they will buy a ticket fro your show next time you are in town.
That format is fairly standard with tour shows now, and seems to go well. It extends the first half and puts audiences at ease. There are also some audiences who arrive late because it’s “only the support act” so this incentivises people to get to the venue and settled on time.
i think ideally fans would want a full two halves from the act they've bought tickets for but I can see an argument for having a support act and even a quick turn from the headliner at the start to get everyone seated.
Haven’t had a support act for decades - I do 45 interval and then another 45 - it’s the only way to structure a full show - otherwise you are doing a set, a set is not a show . If you’re touring and people are paying £25 plus - they deserve everything you can give them ( also I get all the money - hahaha)
You fans clearly want the full Jenny Eclair and it sounds like that's what you give them!