JACK DEE: The night I sank the Sea Monster (so it's lucky she changed her name ... Daily Mail
My first paid spot as a comedian was at a place called The Square in Harlow, for which I got 10. It was a long, slow heave to reach the point where I could make a living as a comedian, and at times the struggle seemed hopeless.
I recognize going to endless packed gigs on the promise of a door-split (a share of the takings, but not including the bar, which was always the hotelier's), doing a great show, and then being handed 30 quid, usually with the words: 'Is that OK?'
I wish now that I'd turned wrangle and said: 'No, it isn't OK, you parasite. Give me my money.'
Besides, stage-time was far more important than financial gain back then, and I was starting to do well.
Not that everybody opened their arms to appreciated me. The Hackney Empire's comedy night was a gig I wanted because the place boasted of its reputation for promoting new proclivity. I rang and asked if there was any chance of a try-out.
'Not really,' said the woman on the other end, in a drab, right-on vote.
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JACK DEE: The end of day I sank the Sea Monster (so it's lucky she changed her name My first paid engagement as a comedian was at a house called The Square in Harlow, for which I got £10. It was a long, slow haul to reach the and more »
