This piece was contributed by Ishi Khan.
I first discovered stand up comedy when I was at University. I’d go to the union on Saturday night to dance and once I went a little earlier than usual and they had some comedy on. Another week I went back at the earlier time and really enjoyed to this “presentation/public speaking/fun talk/relaxed lecture”. I still didn’t know it was called stand up comedy. I started going early on a Saturday when I could.
I was in a relationship and we’d taken the next step of living together. I found myself losing myself and in an attempt to maintain my identity. I accidentally enrolled on a comedy course.
I read an advert about comedy writing, I went along to support comedians and be their number one audience at the back of the room. A bit like a professional mourner only the reverse. I kinda scan read the ad and missed the bit about it being a course and definitely missed the bit about there being a performance at the end of the course. If I’d read the bit about the performance, I’m not sure I would have gone.
Well at the showcase, my set had people laughing out loud and I fell in love with how happy it was making people. I was hooked.
Every day is exciting. I love traveling to and seeing different places in the UK and beyond, and love meeting different people and performers all over.
Performing internationally has been incredible, as has a smallish gig in Northampton. It was before the referendum and I was talking about being a migrant. In the audience was a couple of UKIP followers. At the end of the show, we had a lovely chat and a big hug. I felt I’d made a difference and that was so rewarding.
The largest gig of 2000 had dignitaries in the audience and that was epic!
There was also a moment where I was getting changed and ready in the car for my final show at Brighton Fringe. I was about to start worrying if anyone would show up on such a hot Sunday afternoon, when a tingly feeling came over me as it dawned on me that I’d just done full hour shows at England’s largest arts festival.
Little me from Zambia was performing at England’s largest arts festival.
I still remember that tingle.
Laughter is the best medicine. We connect, feel better and shift moods quickly through laughter.
The first gig was accidental. Comedy found me like a cat finds its home. I had no idea what a gag was or what comedy writing or timing was.
I had no idea that it was a possible career and certainly had no idea about the industry and it’s formalities. These are all areas I’m a bit wiser about now but still learning more about. I’d just say stuff that was funny. With time and practice, I’ve found my voice and it centres around themes like migration, identity, belonging.
If I could give my younger self advice, I would say focus on building and strengthening your confidence and letting go of the inner critic. The more you focus on confidence and self belief the easier it’ll be to let go of that inner critic. Love yourself coz you’re awesome!
You can find out more about Ishi by checking out her website.
This interview, along with other fun and exclusive content, is part of our Winter 2022 zine – order your copy here!
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