All this month we are going behind the scenes with Robin Morgan as he embarks on his biggest tour to date called The Spark. We go behind the scenes of what it is like to perform to audiences, how to prepare for tour, writing a show and much much more! Today we go behind the scenes of writing a stand up show.

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

I like to have an 60 mins+ of ‘stuff’ by the Leicester Comedy Festival in February. I’ll be doing new material gigs for a month or two before that, but that’s my first self-imposed deadline. And then I usually use Edinburgh in August as a deadline to have it finished. So what’s that, 6 months with a bit of work beforehand? 

“…I loved the proposal show as it was one big story – I’ve always loved shows like that, with a beginning, middle and end…”

Where does your inspirations for jokes come from?

I’m quite inward looking as a comic – it’s something I enjoy doing, talking about family, childhood, life, relationships – they’re quite universal topics which audiences seem to dig. I do write a lot of topical jokes for other shows, and occasionally some of those will bleed into the show. But it’s mostly just stuff that’s happened, or silly thoughts I’ve had on long car journeys.

What are the challenges of writing a show?

For me it’s about finding the time on stage to do it, over and over again. Some people write theirs by doing 3 different 20 minute sets in the clubs, but I enjoy having a good 90 minutes on stage to try it all out, and work out how it flows on its own. I’m getting better at writing a show with each one I do, but I’m also trying to do a different type of show with everyone I do, as well. 

In previous shows you have focussed on proposal, marriage, kids and a vasectomy – what was your favourite to talk about?

I loved the proposal show as it was one big story – I’ve always loved shows like that, with a beginning, middle and end. I was really proud of that. The 2019 show called What A Man was the first time I felt I spoke about issues and topics that I’m passionate about. And the vasectomy show was probably the best hour of out-and-out stand-up I’ve done. So I can’t pick. SORRY.

Your new show is focussed on Keeping the spark alive – how did the idea come about?

My wife and I went out for lunch and we talked about my previous shows and what the new one could be about. We chatted about the fact that people have been to see every show I’ve done, and how it’s a continuation of growing up and what life is like – so it started from there, but it’s really expanded since then.

Is there anything new you have learnt about yourself whilst writing it or performing it?

Weirdly the idea of keeping the spark alive in a relationship took a back seat to the idea of keeping the spark alive in oneself. When writing the show, I’ve given up alcohol, which was a huge change for me – and one that sparked (forgive the pun) a lot of introspection.

What topic do you think is the hardest to write about and why?

I don’t think there is a topic that’s harder to write about than others. Anything contentious, or that appears to be contentious, will always make certain audience members feel a bit uncomfortable, but it’s about sailing them through that with jokes and the correct target. I’ve never been one to think: “you can’t say anything anymore” – I think that’s a load of b******.