This month we are gong behind the scenes of comedy and tour life with Carl Donnelly. He has just returned from a successful run at the Fringe and is touring the rest of the year. I caught up with the comedian to talk about his new tour and the pros and cons of tour life.

You have been on tour this year – how is it going?

As yet I’ve only done a couple of dates but so far it’s very fun and audiences are really nice. It’s been a while so i’m really enjoying doing a full show outside of a festival setting.

What are the perks of touring?

A show really grows as you tour it I find. It can start as an hour show at a festival and within a few tour shows it starts growing and changing as you stretch your legs.

What are three essential items you have to have with you?

Currently number one for the travelling is that I have to have a selection of ‘The Rest is History’ podcasts downloaded like a nerd. I was late to listen to it but I’m a full convert. Listening to the series on America in 1968 made going on tour worthwhile. Other than listening material I’m pretty simple. I’ll bring a set list and if I’m staying in a hotel I bring travel filter coffee bags. I’m very boring nowadays.

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

It wasn’t a tour show but last month I performed at Warwick Castle in the gardens! It’s pretty wild performing in a venue built by William the Conquerer.

How do you warm up for a show?

I tend to be super relaxed all day until 5 minutes before showtime when I become convinced I’ve made a terrible error and pace around thinking I’ve forgotten how to do comedy. Then a minute before going on that passes and I become really calm again and I remind myself people have come out for a laugh and that puts me in a good mood to then walk onstage.

How do you wind down afterwards?

I think I’m in the minority of comedians who doesn’t really need to wind down. I’m very relaxed onstage so unless something out of the ordinary happens, I’m not walking off full of adrenaline. I’ve caught sight of my heart rate onstage on my Fitbit and it’s no different to offstage (which I actually think is worrying).

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

Take it as a lesson in enjoying your own company. Learning to enjoy time on your own is one of the best things comedy can teach you. It’s also a good time to work on ideas.

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