Josie Long interviewed by Oliver Double Josie Long interviewed by Oliver Double at the Horsebridge, Whitstable, 18th February 2012. This interview was conducted by Double for his book 'Getting the Joke: The Inner Workings of Stand-Up Comedy', 2nd Edition (2014) . [Interview summary] Change in Stand-up: DIY vs Mainstream comedy.[8.14] Strong politics in DIY comedy. [9.01] Alternative Reality Tour. [13.41] Audiences. [15.47] Railing against Cynicism. [19.41] Being a 'proper' comedian. [29.19] Writing material [32.19] Onstage/Offstage. [36.28] Effects offstage. [42.42] Politics. [45.00] Alexei Sayle and resurgence of Alternative Comedy.[46.27] End of interview. [Analysis by Matthew Hoss] - Daniel Kitson was one if the people who were fundamental in setting up the DIY scene, as his operation were entirely independent from press and agents. - Stand-up is finding your own voice and presenting your own comedy. - Alternative Reality Tour was entirely DIY comedy. They set up a venue on the day. - Jimmy Carr has been a driven comedian, leading to his success and his kind personality offstage.. - Being older means getting more audience respect from the starting point. Authority too. - It takes a while to find your own audience and build up people that want to see you. - You can't factor in other opinions, do what you want! Reviews don't matter - The audience have to be prepped in the right way - MC plays a vital role! - Crowds are set by the atmosphere of a gig. - Pre-show music is important to what the gig is going to be. - Onstage Josie is a ramped up version of her offstage self. Stand-up is her outlet. - Bending the truth to make a fictionalised version of your own life which you lead. - "It's not just a pointless pressure gauge" its about not being alone, and sharing experiences. - Talking about things has an effect; audiences have taken action after seeing Josie's shows. 18/02/2012