Well, the week has been and gone yet again, and let me tell you — it’s been a hard but fun one.

On the 13th, I went and opened for George Coppin at a new material night. It was fun getting out, meeting new people, and catching up with old friends. I tried to stay until the end, but my body and mind wouldn’t let me — again. But I am trying.

This weekend was a quiet one, and that’s okay. I got in the shed and started creating more bits — like Christmas trees that hold photos. It felt good to make something with my hands again.

Monday came around fast, and I was back at the farm like usual. Cold, but refreshing. When I got home, Susanna (my agent) told me we’ve been re-booked for a disability festival in July, and that really lifted me. Makes me feel like all the sacrifices I’m making are worth it.

A Word About Agencies

Talking about agencies — people assume, and I’m honestly fed up of this — that just because you’ve got an agent, you can sit back and let the work roll in.
It’s not that simple.

It’s a partnership.

You have to put the hard work in too.
Practising your comedy set or your show.
Working together to get gigs.
Being active.
Being professional.

An agent is there to do the dirty work sometimes — like contacting promoters or venues if something goes wrong. They’re there to support you, but you have to meet them halfway.

And don’t be rude to agencies.
They want you to get as much work as possible — because the more work you get, the more they earn. It’s mutually beneficial.

But remember this:
If you’re not getting enough work, sit back and ask yourself why.

Is it because your set isn’t strong enough yet?
Are you applying for gigs you’re not ready for?
Are you difficult or rude without realising it?

Sometimes, the problem isn’t the agent.
Sometimes, it’s us needing to grow.

I’ve worked with Ingenious Fools for over six years now. We’ve always worked together, but this year and last year we’ve finally got the steps in place to push even further — by helping each other.

Because that’s what it’s all about:
supporting each other.
If you help yourself, they’ll help you even more.

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Creating Your Own Opportunities

Like I keep saying:
It’s not what you know — it’s who you know.

If you can get an agent, great.
If you can’t, that’s okay too.
These days you can book gigs yourself, make good content for TikTok and Instagram, and build a following online. The more people see you active, the more they’ll want to book you.

This week, I applied to be an elf on a steam train.
I knew I probably wouldn’t get it — but that wasn’t the point.
Now they know my name. They’ve got my CV.
The bloke even said, “We’ll keep you in mind.”

And that’s how opportunities start.

You have to do free shows to get the paid stuff.

I’ve even been phoning law firms and finance companies to see if they want workshops this year or next year — creating my own chances. And getting in the shed making woodwork might not seem exciting, but it helps me switch off. I’m trying not to hyper-focus on one thing anymore.

Anyway — this one’s short and sweet.