Comedy Blogedy: How long have you been gigging in stand-up?

Njambi McGrath: I’ve been gigging for 18 months since December 2010.

Comedy Blogedy: How would you describe your comedy?

Njambi McGrath: Edgy, dark, wicked, political satire…ish.

Comedy Blogedy: Which comedians influence your comedy?

Njambi McGrath: Robin William, Shazia Mirza, Russell Peters.

Comedy Blogedy: Did you always want to go into comedy?

Njambi McGrath: I never even considered it until my client suggested it. I teach grown ups and I used jokes as a way of making the learning fun.

Comedy Blogedy: How do you go about writing your material?

Njambi McGrath: I did my first gig under pressure having had a conversation with a big promoter who gave me a gig with 2 weeks’ notice and no material. I wrote a 5 min set and performed to 200 shocked faces with occasional gasps which I mistook for enjoyment. The promoter later said to me “move a way from the filth it doesn’t suit you. Write about what you know best” and so I did and have never looked back. I find that I jot ideas down and this will develop over time. I like to play with misconceptions, word play etc.

Comedy Blogedy: Do you gig as a stand-up full time or is it more of a part-time hobby? If so, do you find that your main job influences your material?

Njambi McGrath: I only gig as a part-timer as I can’t afford to quit my job. My job is so different from what I do so not really much influence.

Comedy Blogedy: What do you find the most enjoyable and frustrating parts of the amateur comedy circuit?

Njambi McGrath: Most enjoyable is the camaraderie with other comics but frustration is lack of good quality? audiences and longer sets.

Comedy Blogedy: What’s your favourite type of audience to perform to?

Njambi McGrath: Middle classes really get my sense of humor but anyone who laughs at my jokes.

Comedy Blogedy: Have you been heckled a lot since you’ve started gigging? Do you enjoy being heckled? What’s the best heckle you’ve had?

Njambi McGrath: I haven’t been heckled a lot as most open mics tend to be a bit protective of that sort of thing. I was once heckled by an 85-year-old but his was a compliment which couldn’t wait till the end of the gig.

Comedy Blogedy: What advice would you give to new acts thinking about starting out in comedy?

Njambi McGrath: Just do it! No time like the present and you soon find out if it’s for you.

www.njambimcgrathcomedy.co.uk

@Njambi1

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