Laura Smyth: ‘I did my comedy show to silence – it was humbling and hilarious’
How did you get into comedy?
My husband bought me a day’s writing course with Logan Murray as a wedding gift (I had confessed to him that it was my dream to do it). I loved the day, but it took me a few more years before I got brave enough to book a full course. On the penultimate week, we were given the homework to book ourselves a gig. I did – and have been addicted ever since.
Who inspired you when you were first starting out?
Funny women are my heroes, inspiring me that I could do it too: French and Saunders, Lou Sanders, Tiffany Haddish, Melissa McCarthy, Roisin Conaty, Katherine Ryan and Kerry Godliman.
Your comedy career began in the spring of 2019 and you’ve just added extra dates to your debut tour. To what would you credit such a fast rise?
My whole family are very funny – so I had a tough apprenticeship since birth. I love standup with all my heart and give it everything. Waiting so long to start has meant I really make the most of every opportunity.
Can you recall a gig so bad, it’s now funny?
When I was preparing for the Funny Women awards semi-final I practised my set at the Cavendish Arms [in London] to silence – humbling and hilarious. My favourite thing is when other comedians laugh at you when a gig is bad. I don’t want anyone to be polite. Mock me!
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Lots of water because I get a nervous dry mouth, a good few deep breaths. I always write my set bullet points out, even if I don’t stick to them. I try to stop chatting too much in the green room, and I never drink alcohol before a gig.
What’s your upcoming tour about?
Broadly, it’s about my journey into standup, and a whistle-stop tour of my life. It pokes fun at all the ways we are meant to #liveourbestlife. It’s also a look at the tough stuff that makes us re-evaluate our priorities.
Related: Esther Manito: ‘I still stand backstage thinking I should have worked in John Lewis’
Any bugbears from the world of comedy?
When more established acts are not warm or encouraging to newer acts. It always means the world to me when acts I admire make me feel welcome – whether on a live bill or TV.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
Be good to work with.
Worst advice you’ve ever been given?
For me, most unsolicited advice is bad advice.
Best heckle?
Couple dynamics are always funny. I have a joke about the female orgasm not being easy to achieve. A woman on the front row shouted: “Get a rabbit!” – her husband looked mortified and took her glass of wine away from her. I suggested she ask her rabbit to buy her a glass.
Laura Smyth: Living My Best Life is on a UK tour in 2024. Her BBC Radio 4 special I Don’t Know What to Say is available on 8 November.
