All this month we are talking to the comedian Ed Patrick. Last year he took the Edinburgh Fringe by storm and he is also currently on his debut tour around the United Kingdom which runs until May (get tickets here). Today we find out all about what it is like being a comedian and hitting the road.

How long does it take you to write a whole stand up show?

It’s a variable process and I’m naturally a crammer. Nothing like a good deadline to make all those ruminations line-up in order. But testing it out live is the key bit and that takes time. Invariably some bits will work, then others will need tweaking, so it’s back to the drawing board and then repeat. 

We had to stop the gig whilst we checked they were ok, I nearly created more work for my NHS colleagues.

Ed Patrick

Where does your inspiration for jokes come from?

Sometimes a situation, a phrase or something will spark an idea. I’ll make a note of it and sometimes it will blossom into something. Other times I’ll look at it and think why did I write “toast on cheese”?

What are the perks of touring?

Going to some brilliant places and venues, it’s basically a road trip of getting to do your show where you can tie in some sightseeing, catch up with friends, taking photos and forgetting to put them on Instagram.

What are the challenges?

Well working in the NHS always provides it’s challenges in planning things off. Luckily, I’ve had some lovely rota coordinators who’ve helped to juggle things so that I don’t dive off stage right into a nightshift. I actually managed to get my wedding day off which was nice.

Out of all the venues you have performed at, what has been your favourite and most memorable show?

I’ve great memories of venues across the UK, and I always think of Newcastle Stand for this question, and the night I made someone laugh so much that they fell off their chair. We had to stop the gig whilst we checked they were ok, I nearly created more work for my NHS colleagues.

How do you warm up for a show?

I take a relaxed approach now, try to be as loose as possible and in the moment. I used to think I needed to be pumped up listening to loud music, and then I realised I’m a wordsmith not a cage fighter.

How do you wind down afterwards?

I tend to need food, post-gig drinks with friends is nice and also some time staring into space.

I’ll look at it and think why did I write “toast on cheese”?

Ed Patrick

What advice would you give to up and coming comedians about tour life?

Give it a go, there’s nothing stopping you booking just a few dates even. It’s fun, you get to see cool places and meet cool people. You also get to say “I’m on tour” and everyone looks really impressed thinking you’re a rockstar, not someone good at admin and emails