I can’t wait to get back to stand-up

Kathy spreads laughter with online gigs

I ENTERED the fray of stand-up comedy later in life, although it was something I’d wanted to do for a long time. I was born with displaced hips, which resulted in a life of constant pain, and my mobility was seriously compromised by bone damage. Eventually, it was health problems and losing my parents that led me to make the lifechanging move into comedy. I took a course at Strathclyde University on how to write and perform stand-up. It is run by an amazing comedian called Viv Gee, the most encouraging person I’ve ever met. My first live performance was the most nerve-wracking experience of my life but also completely incredible. I was bitten by the comedy bug. Newbie comedians must impress from the outset to get open mic spots. I was fortunate that my material is not the norm on the comedy circuit and I was offered gigs at great venues such as The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Rotunda Comedy Club, The Stand and at Drygate – and I loved every single minute of it. I had lots of great gigs booked, which were obviously postponed when lockdown came in. I was lucky enough to be offered a 10 to 15-minute spot on the first online comedy gig that was organised by my wonderful former teacher Viv Gee, for NHS staff. It was a huge success and had a big audience. I’m missing stand-up like you wouldn’t believe. I had coronavirus, which lasted for a few weeks but I was fortunate enough to not have to go into hospital. I’ve just been asked to record a comedy clip that will be aired at the start of July as part of a new online comedy show for The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall – and that has really brightened my lockdown days.

● Follow Kathy McSherry across social media.

● As told to Elaine Livingstone, in line with social distancing guidelines.