Sarah Millican interviewed by Oliver Double Sarah Millican interviewed by Oliver Double at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, 23rd April 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] Oliver and Sarah chat as well as discuss venues, the Marlowe Theatre (Canterbury), and trying to find a suitable room. [2.56] How Sarah got into doing Stand-up (through a workshop). [13.01] How Stand-up has changed massively since 2004/ Television comedy. [19.56] The Royal variety show. [26.10] Identity of a comic on and offstage. [31.46] Audience interaction. [42.29] Processes in creating material. [51.10] Superstitions for the stage. [56.15] Interview ends and Oliver and Sarah chat. [59.31] Recording ends. [Analysis by Matthew Hoss] - Sarah Millican started Stand-up/Poet in a workshop. - Millican uses Cardboard index cards whilst onstage - as to not show the piece of paper shaking on stage. - You progress at the rate you do gigs. If you do one gig a month - you progress at that rate - if you do three gigs a week you progress at that rate. - Sarah believes that Television is a key reason why many people come out to Stand-up. It is a great way to "advance your profile". - Live comedy is the only format where there little to no filter. It's pure from other people affecting the performance. - Television is not a route (except to touring) in regards to progression. - Sarah was older before starting stand-up making her debut - and it made her a bit more world-wise. - Her on stage choices were "organic" and made a conscious choice. - Audience interaction gives variety and spice to a show you are doing 100 dates of. - With audience banter you get "points for being quick". It doesn't have to be entirely funny but just fast. - The audience is not just one black mass - they are all individuals. - The darkness of the audience gives the anonymity- giving them the power and confidence to shout out. - Sarah has the licences to say filthy things to the audiences (and ask them filthy things) as she shares so much of herself onstage. - Sarah gives badges out as a memento not as advertisements - Make a note of everything that happens to you. - Millican believes that every piece of new material deserves at least 3 goes. - A comic must look after yourself - if you are knackered all the time, you are not as naturally funny. 23/04/2012