Taking the business of belly laughs online
How local stand-up comics are surviving in the virtual world
In the last few weeks, I’ve come across comics putting out jokes on their social media timelines every few minutes; I watched a few solo virtual stand-up evenings, and even heard comics turn into singers. I wondered how local comics were surviving in a world without humour. Until a few months ago, stand-up comedy nights in the city were more popular than brunches. So, what happens next, I wondered — and was pleased to discover comedians happy to share their views with their humour intact.
‘LIKE WALKING THE DOG… WITHOUT A DOG’
Sonja Allen, founder, Big Fish Comedy, recalls she was last on the stage on January 31, at a show with 700 people in the audience. So, can she — in one line — describe performing in front of an iPad versus a live audience? “In one line? You do realise I am a woman!” she riposted. “Comedy is all about timing and audience interaction. It’s a bit like walking the dog but without a dog! It’s paying the school fees and teaching the kids yourself. It’s strawberries and cream without the cream — something is missing!” shares the part-time teacher and full-time mum. Her company has been running a weekly Premier Live on their Facebook page, featuring exclusive footage from some upcoming comedians, who they hope to bring to the UAE in due time.
What has she been up to otherwise? “Avoiding home-schooling mostly and gaining weight! Also, busy writing lots of new comedy routines. Let’s face it, the lockdown has provided lots of material and everybody needs cheering up during these times,” says Sonja, who goes by the stage name, Sonja Jayne Salmon.
‘ALL YOU CAN DO IS PRETEND YOUR JOKES AREN’T BOMBING’
Varun Bhatia’s last show in front of an audience was on March 6. Ask this banker by day to describe the difference between a live and virtual audience and he says, “In case of the former, you know if you are bombing, but in the latter, all you can do is pretend you are not bombing.”
The stand-up artist is keeping busy writing about his WFH experiences. “I am discovering inner strengths like having brunch after breakfast and dinner after late lunch! Also, I am creating content for my social channels.” He shares that while there is obviously better connect through stage shows, he has adjusted to the online platform and is using this time to grow as a comic. Any advice for his peers? “Keep rehearsing the jokes, writing new content and jamming with fellow comics so that you are ready when the live shows are back,” he says.
‘YOU’VE GOT TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE ARTIST WITHIN’
On February 17, the season finale of Comedy Adda Season 2 was recorded in Dubai with Pakistani telly stand-up comedian Shakeel Siddiqui as the guest, shares producer Asad Raza Khan. The biggest difference between performing on Instagram versus live for him? “You cannot punch the people who give negative comments online in the face then and there,” he jokes.
Asad has kept himself occupied writing scripts and promoting the show. “Keep in touch with the artist within you, with the audience you cater to, and keep innovating content via different channels/mediums. Also, support one another in these times,” adds Asad, who is also the CEO of Tall Tales Productions.
‘WE’LL NEED [LAUGHS] LIKE NEVER BEFORE’
Imah Dumagay, an EA by day and comedian by night, was last on stage on February 28. She confesses she hasn’t yet found the strength to channel her energy by talking to the camera, and laughs, “I wish I had the courage of my fellow comics; props to them!” She is optimistic that once this is over, the gigs will be back. Lately, apart from writing new material, she’s resorted to making funny TikTok videos, to make family and friends laugh. “When we get out of this pandemic, as comics, we have to ensure that we have something to give people, because I believe they’ll need it like never before,” says Imah.