John Ryan on Stage
Big night tonight. The club holds five hundred and they have their senior managers in. The venue manager is stressed and worries about what they might say. I arrive an hour before the gig and count down the minutes. Soon after arriving we hear the words all comics dread. “Sorry but we are running late!” But then they send someone to check you are okay for food and drinks. You don’t get that in a normal day job. I can’t imagine mechanic being told “ere ya go Dave a nice bacon sandwich to make up for the exhaust not arriving”. Most comedians would agree that you can run as late as you like if there is food involved in the compensation. I read through the menu and my stomach cheered. I am sure a nice juicy steak will take my mind off of the clock.
So, we have time to kill and loiter backstage. The dressing room is a funny place. I am like a child waiting to open Xmas presents. I can’t sit still. I try to look like I am focussing on the job in hand. I am surrounded by the other acts looking professional as they prepare themselves. I try not to annoy people as they all have their own mannerisms and rituals. I have been in dressing rooms with acts that will go through their entire set list with you. Others sit moodily brooding as they prepare to do ‘battle’. I guess we all have our own techniques for preparing.
