‘I became a stand-up comedian’

After attending a comedy course in London, Suchandrika Chakrabarti, 37, entered the Funny Women Stage Awards and developed a new career. ‘Doing stand-up has always been my dream, but, working as a freelance journalist, I just didn’t have time before the pandemic. Last January, I had taken a six-week beginner’s comedy course on Sunday afternoons, which involved delivering a five-minute stand-up set at the end. I loved making people laugh and was really proud of what I’d achieved. When lockdown started, I entered the video into the Funny Women Stage Award. It took place last summer and we performed to the judges over Zoom. Not only did I get through to the semi-finals, but I was named “one to watch”. As a result, I was offered writing work on BBC Radio 4 comedy shows The News Quiz and The Now Show. I’m also one of six finalists in the BCG Pro Performance Awards and in the heats of the 2Northdown New Act Competition 2021. The reaction to my comedy has given me so much more confidence – friends and family have always encouraged me, but I thought they were just being kind. I’ve been booked to do four gigs over Zoom for popular comedy nights including Tickled Pink, and, this summer, I’m staging my first one-hour live solo show at The Camden Fringe. I can’t believe my new career as a stand-up has taken off despite not performing live since that end-of-course show last February.’ Suchandrika Chakrabarti’s show ‘I Miss Amy Winehouse’ is on at the Etcetera Theatre on Camden High Street from 3rd to 7th August