0:00:02 > 0:00:04There's something funny going on in today's episode.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06And it's a good job there is because we're about to dive into
0:00:06 > 0:00:08the crazy world of comedy.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11Today's rookies think they've got the gift of the gag.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14We'll take them on a comedy crusade,
0:00:14 > 0:00:18meeting funny folk along the way, including a top comedian.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21But will their audience be crying tears of laughter
0:00:21 > 0:00:24or just crying?
0:00:24 > 0:00:26Let's find out as we go
0:00:26 > 0:00:28All Over The Workplace!
0:00:48 > 0:00:52Our two rookies reckon they've got the talent to be funny for money.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55But will they have us rolling in the aisles or heading for the exit?
0:00:55 > 0:00:57- Waaaah! - CANNED LAUGHTER
0:00:57 > 0:01:01Of course, they want people to laugh WITH them, not AT them.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04My name is Greta, I'm ten.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06When I grow up I would like to be a stand-up comedian.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09When I imagine the future, I see me surrounded by smiles
0:01:09 > 0:01:11and laughter and applause.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14My name is Brandon, I'm 11 years old. I come from Guildford.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18The ultimate dream for me is to be a successful stand-up comedian
0:01:18 > 0:01:20and perform at massive places
0:01:20 > 0:01:24all around the world and make people happy.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27Brandon and Greta have polished their funny bones and headed
0:01:27 > 0:01:31to central London to team up with Alex to generate a chuckle or two.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36- Apparently you guys want to be comedians.- BOTH:- Yes!
0:01:36 > 0:01:39So what appeals to you about a career in comedy?
0:01:39 > 0:01:42Laughter soothes the soul. It spreads positivity.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45Greta, why do you want to be a comic?
0:01:45 > 0:01:47I want to make people smile and laugh.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49I just love the feeling of applause when you've done a good job.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52It's a tough business. Do you think you've got what it takes
0:01:52 > 0:01:55- to grind away until you're successful?- Yes!- Yes!- Yeah?
0:01:55 > 0:01:57Well, that's what you think,
0:01:57 > 0:01:59but this is what your parents think.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03I think Greta has a very good sense of humour.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06The thing that Greta struggles with the most is slowing down
0:02:06 > 0:02:09to let the audience laugh.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12I think that Brandon doesn't often write things down
0:02:12 > 0:02:14when he thinks about them.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16I think he'll be challenged by not necessarily having
0:02:16 > 0:02:18the amount of material that he'd want to have
0:02:18 > 0:02:19or that he thinks he's got.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22Brandon, your mum says you struggle a bit with
0:02:22 > 0:02:25- writing things down.- I'm sure I've got those funny ideas in my head.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27I just need to get them down so I can remember them.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29Yeah, OK, maybe that's something we can work on.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31And, Greta, your mum says you talk a bit too fast.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33People can't always tell what you're saying.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35- It runs in the family. - Can you just say that again?
0:02:35 > 0:02:37I didn't quite catch it! Just a bit slower.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39- Oh, it runs in the family. I get it.- Yes!
0:02:39 > 0:02:44- OK, smashing. Well, let's get on with it. Come with me!- Whoo!
0:02:44 > 0:02:46To ease our rookies into the world of comedy,
0:02:46 > 0:02:49we've brought them to meet Johnny and Inel.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52# My alarm wakes me up I'm ready to rise... #
0:02:52 > 0:02:53You might recognise these guys from
0:02:53 > 0:02:57their very own CBBC sketch show.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59They've got a track record for getting giggles,
0:02:59 > 0:03:02so they'll be able to give our rookies some cracking advice.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04- Hi there.- Hi.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06Just crossing hands there.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10Can you tell us what your three top tips are for doing sketch comedy?
0:03:10 > 0:03:12Well, one important tip is to have trust
0:03:12 > 0:03:14in the people you're doing comedy with.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16You've got to be able to trust your partners
0:03:16 > 0:03:19and your colleagues so you can create that comedy.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21Yeah, I think you have to trust yourselves as well.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24Usually, it's the best stuff you can come up with. So trust yourself.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27And the number one thing, got to be funny.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29Yeah, don't forget that. Yeah, it's kind of a rule.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31If anything, just stick to rule three.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33Yeah, the rest are irrelevant, just that one.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35Just be funny and everything else will sort itself out.
0:03:35 > 0:03:36Yeah, definitely.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39Johnny and Inel's top tips are...
0:03:39 > 0:03:41Trust your comedy colleagues.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44Especially important when working in a team.
0:03:44 > 0:03:45Trust yourself.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49If you find something funny, with any luck others will, too.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51And be funny!
0:03:51 > 0:03:55An obvious tip, but it's the golden rule of comedy.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58So you guys are sketch comedians. Did you start off in drama?
0:03:58 > 0:04:00Yeah, I did a bit of drama in school.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03I used to love doing theatre productions and stuff like that.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06Even just going to drama class and being able to experiment
0:04:06 > 0:04:07and create characters.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09Sometimes even just having fun with your mates -
0:04:09 > 0:04:12just going round each other's houses and putting on funny voices
0:04:12 > 0:04:14and doing little funny characters.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17Time for the rookies to develop their own sketch characters.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20A box of props can be a great way to develop comedy ideas.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22So I might take this hat, for instance,
0:04:22 > 0:04:25and this might make me think of a certain character.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28I might be like, oh, this character walks a little bit like this
0:04:28 > 0:04:31and talks little bit like, "Hello, sir, hello. How do you do?"
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- Mr Top Hat! - Absolutely.- Exactly.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37Think about their characteristics, think about their physicality,
0:04:37 > 0:04:39how they might hold themselves.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41It could be a king, but how does he hold himself?
0:04:41 > 0:04:44He could be quite old and quite feeble
0:04:44 > 0:04:47and maybe something could come out of that.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50Use your imagination and run wild.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53Also, don't forget, we're not just here to play around with props,
0:04:53 > 0:04:55we're here to create a sketch.
0:04:55 > 0:04:56- Are you guys ready?- BOTH:- Yes!
0:04:56 > 0:04:59Those notes do not sound good together.
0:04:59 > 0:05:00Telephone!
0:05:00 > 0:05:04I don't care what my character is, it's wearing this tutu!
0:05:04 > 0:05:07Brandon and Greta seem to be treating this like a toy box.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09They should remember it's a prop box!
0:05:09 > 0:05:13Everything that I can find in here that's pink, on my head.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15How's it going, guys?
0:05:15 > 0:05:18It seems like you're a bit overwhelmed with all these
0:05:18 > 0:05:20different ideas and props.
0:05:20 > 0:05:21My advice would be to just
0:05:21 > 0:05:24select a few that you think will aid your character
0:05:24 > 0:05:27and then just making it a really simple storyline.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29Where would your characters be?
0:05:29 > 0:05:32What settings are they in? A doctor's office or in a shop.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35How are they going to interact with each other?
0:05:35 > 0:05:37Once you start doing it, the ideas will come to you.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40You'll feel the character and you'll act as the character.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42Great advice from Inel.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44When writing sketches,
0:05:44 > 0:05:46don't get overwhelmed with too many props.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48Narrow it down to just a few
0:05:48 > 0:05:50and think about the setting you'll
0:05:50 > 0:05:51be putting your characters in.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53Brandon and Greta have decided to
0:05:53 > 0:05:55set their sketch in a doctor's surgery.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58This is a patient. She's had some tests
0:05:58 > 0:06:01and you're going to tell her what's wrong with her, OK?
0:06:01 > 0:06:04From that moment you'll be able to interact with each other.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07So, like, every time you say that something's...
0:06:07 > 0:06:11That something about me is fine, I could take that thing off,
0:06:11 > 0:06:14but every time I take something off, you put something on.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17But it's like you've absorbed my eccentricity.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19It could work.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21Yeah, you have to believe that you're the person
0:06:21 > 0:06:24you're playing and you're portraying.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27And when you do believe that, we believe it as well.
0:06:27 > 0:06:28HORN SQUEAKS
0:06:31 > 0:06:35- Hello.- Excuse the mess, I've been operating on a clown.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40Let's take a look at your heart, then, shall we, dear?
0:06:40 > 0:06:41SQUEAKING
0:06:41 > 0:06:44I'm really not sure that's how you check somebody's heartbeat.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46Shhh! Do you want to be alive?!
0:06:48 > 0:06:49SQUEAKING
0:06:49 > 0:06:51Yes, seems perfectly normal. You're safe, dear.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54- I'll be taking that.- Why?!
0:06:54 > 0:06:57I'll have that, thank you. I'll have that.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59I have another appointment, look.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02Hello?
0:07:02 > 0:07:04I think I'm all right now! I think I'm all right now!
0:07:04 > 0:07:05I think I'm all right now!
0:07:07 > 0:07:10This assignment was really, really fun
0:07:10 > 0:07:12because we had to use our imagination
0:07:12 > 0:07:14to make other people laugh.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17I really loved how we literally just got to dive into a prop box
0:07:17 > 0:07:19and then see what we could make up.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21We had a couple of rough sketch ideas
0:07:21 > 0:07:23and they weren't too promising
0:07:23 > 0:07:25but when we actually started doing it,
0:07:25 > 0:07:27it was really quite nice to make them laugh.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31I loved seeing the reactions of everybody and it was just awesome.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33I loved it, I loved it so much.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35Greta, I thought you were fantastic today.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38You came in with bundles of energy and a lot of enthusiasm.
0:07:38 > 0:07:39You could really see that
0:07:39 > 0:07:41when you started applying yourself in the sketches.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44When you had that energy, you focused it in
0:07:44 > 0:07:47and you brought it down into what was needed for that sketch.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50I thought you absolutely grew as the task went on, Brandon.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53And really, really ended up with some really funny lines in there.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56I think at first you were struggling to find a character
0:07:56 > 0:07:59but as soon as you got that stethoscope, you were there.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08Comedy has been around for a long time.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11Ancient civilisations scripted some of the first humour,
0:08:11 > 0:08:15putting on comedy plays and wearing rather interesting masks.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18Some of the earliest comedy footage was slapstick,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21made famous by the legend Charlie Chaplin -
0:08:21 > 0:08:24seen here in a very early film.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26This kind of visual comedy was important
0:08:26 > 0:08:28back when films had no dialogue.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31Chaplin was famous for his original style,
0:08:31 > 0:08:34perfect timing and dodgy moustache.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36Stand-up developed from music hall theatre performance
0:08:36 > 0:08:39from around the same time.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42These shows included all sorts of acts -
0:08:42 > 0:08:45music, dancing, and lots and lots of comedy.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49The essentials of comedy are the same today as they were back then -
0:08:49 > 0:08:51you have to make people laugh.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59A role he's been playing for 25 years.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01Tim has studied under some of the clowning greats
0:09:01 > 0:09:04and is an expert on the physical side of comedy.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07His Jim Carrey-style funny face
0:09:07 > 0:09:09is pretty good, too.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12What are your three top tips for working in comedy?
0:09:12 > 0:09:14Well, my first one is that you've got to enjoy yourself.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17If you are not enjoying yourself, you're not working hard enough.
0:09:17 > 0:09:22My second one would be to take your time, because timing is everything.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25My third one is learn from the greats.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28Watch everything you can, and steal all the jokes.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31Very good.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34Tim's top tips are, enjoy yourself.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37If you're not doing that, you ain't working hard enough.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40Take your time, because timing...
0:09:40 > 0:09:42is...
0:09:42 > 0:09:43everything in comedy.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46Ignore it at your...peril.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48And learn from the greats.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52Watch everyone you can and learn from them.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54So what's the hardest part of trying to make people laugh?
0:09:54 > 0:09:56- When they don't.- Ah.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58What can you show us?
0:09:58 > 0:10:00Now we're going to do some games and some exercises
0:10:00 > 0:10:03and look at a few techniques behind some of the great gags,
0:10:03 > 0:10:05from the great visual gags.
0:10:05 > 0:10:06Oh, sorry!
0:10:06 > 0:10:09Give it there.
0:10:11 > 0:10:12Waaa!
0:10:12 > 0:10:15Tim is now leading a game of comedy statues
0:10:15 > 0:10:19where timing and anticipation are on the agenda.
0:10:20 > 0:10:21Oh!
0:10:21 > 0:10:25The rookies and Alex take turns to test each other's timing
0:10:25 > 0:10:27and catch each other out.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29I've not started yet!
0:10:30 > 0:10:32Wooo!
0:10:32 > 0:10:34Without Alex moving...
0:10:34 > 0:10:37Tim demonstrates some other physical comedy routines,
0:10:37 > 0:10:40like silly walks and the old stationary bag trick.
0:10:43 > 0:10:44Yeah, nice. That was good.
0:10:44 > 0:10:45This is an acting thing.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47Oh, yeah, that's better, with your body.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49You're going to push...
0:10:49 > 0:10:52Alex is trying to be funny by putting on his normal face,
0:10:52 > 0:10:55while Tim puts the rookies through some surprise routines.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01Now Tim has the rookies imagining that
0:11:01 > 0:11:04everything they touch delivers an electric charge.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06Shocking, if you ask me!
0:11:06 > 0:11:07Agggrrh!
0:11:09 > 0:11:12My favourite part of the assignment was meeting Tim and him showing me
0:11:12 > 0:11:16all his tricks and facial expressions.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19It will really help me put character into my performances.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22I thought it was all about backflips
0:11:22 > 0:11:24and getting stuffed into suitcases,
0:11:24 > 0:11:27but I found that it's a lot more simple
0:11:27 > 0:11:29and I never thought I could do it.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32Greta, all you have to do is stop,
0:11:32 > 0:11:34give us a pause, give us some room to laugh.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38Brandon, you weren't too confident physically first of all,
0:11:38 > 0:11:41but when you did go for it, it was excellent, really good.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43So remember, be confident.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50Probably the most important thing you need to do
0:11:50 > 0:11:52is write lots of jokes.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56You'll get plenty of chances to try them out but it takes a while to
0:11:56 > 0:11:57find out who you are as a performer.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59What kind of performer are you?
0:11:59 > 0:12:01Are you a crazy surreal performer
0:12:01 > 0:12:03wearing lots of different clothes?
0:12:03 > 0:12:05Are you a one-liner guy throwing out small jokes?
0:12:05 > 0:12:08Are you a big, long storyteller, a big waffler like me?
0:12:08 > 0:12:10Just going in front of an audience over and over again
0:12:10 > 0:12:13and writing over and over again and trying things out,
0:12:13 > 0:12:15and when they don't work, let it go.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17Let it go, try another one.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21Top multi-award-winning comedian, actor and writer Alan Davies
0:12:21 > 0:12:25has been performing comedy since way back in 1988.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29He's a well-known TV funnyman and a regular panellist
0:12:29 > 0:12:32and presenter on loads of well-known comedy shows.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35So he should be a marvellous mentor for our rookies.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39Alan has taken Brandon and Greta to a top London comedy venue,
0:12:39 > 0:12:43where famous stand-ups such as Michael McIntyre, Sarah Millican
0:12:43 > 0:12:45and Rhod Gilbert have performed.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47This is the stage. Come up here.
0:12:47 > 0:12:48Come on, you're welcome to stand on it.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51Nothing awful will happen.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53- How does it feel?- It feels amazing.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- Weird.- Weird?
0:12:55 > 0:12:57At the moment all the audience lights are on,
0:12:57 > 0:13:01so you can see the chairs, but when you're up here
0:13:01 > 0:13:03in a few years doing your act,
0:13:03 > 0:13:05they'll be out and it's just darkness.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07You can't see anyone except the front row.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11This place is really the pinnacle of comedy clubs.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14When you get booked here, then you know you've made it.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17What would your three top tips be for being a comedian?
0:13:17 > 0:13:21The most important thing is to face the front.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25Face the audience, keep talking and say lots of funny things.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28- They're the main three. - The main three.- The main three tips.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30Remember that. Remember that, rookies.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34I think it's also very important that you're happy on the stage,
0:13:34 > 0:13:36that you're enjoying yourself.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39Alan's top tips to succeed as a stand-up are...
0:13:39 > 0:13:40Face the front.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44Looking at your audience is key in stand-up.
0:13:44 > 0:13:45Keep talking -
0:13:45 > 0:13:48important for winning over your audience.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50And say lots of funny things.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53There's that golden rule of comedy yet again.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57And his special bonus tip - enjoy yourself on stage.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59When you come on, it's terrifying.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01There's no getting away from it, it's awful.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03When it goes wrong, and you go back through
0:14:03 > 0:14:06the door into the dressing room, no-one will look at you,
0:14:06 > 0:14:07it's awkward.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13It's quite a lonely thing. But when it goes well,
0:14:13 > 0:14:15it really is about the best feeling you can have.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18Then you really feel like you just want to do it again.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21My number one tip for a comedian
0:14:21 > 0:14:25is if you ever think of anything funny, see anything funny,
0:14:25 > 0:14:28hear anything funny, remember anything funny,
0:14:28 > 0:14:30you must write it down!
0:14:30 > 0:14:34You must write it down immediately or you will forget it.
0:14:34 > 0:14:39Because material is the hardest thing to come by.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41And another bonus tip is
0:14:41 > 0:14:44if you think of anything funny, write it down.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46Otherwise you'll forget it.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48Brandon, your mum was saying you might struggle with having to
0:14:48 > 0:14:52write material down, but this is part of the job, isn't it?
0:14:52 > 0:14:56You just make note of little things that remind you
0:14:56 > 0:14:57of what it is you wanted to say.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02Alan has dispatched the rookies to jot down some comedy ideas
0:15:02 > 0:15:06which they can develop into their very own gags.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09OK, Greta, let's see what we've got going on here.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11You're staring off with bugs. Tell me about bugs.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14- Are there bugs in the house? - Lots of bugs in the house.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16I sleep in a bunk bed and...
0:15:16 > 0:15:18A bug bed?!
0:15:18 > 0:15:19No, bunk bed!
0:15:19 > 0:15:21- Bug bed's funnier.- Bug bed!
0:15:21 > 0:15:24- OK, OK.- I see you've got spiders written down there.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- I do get a bit paranoid about spiders.- OK...
0:15:28 > 0:15:31What's your fear about spiders?
0:15:31 > 0:15:34That they might just crawl up to me
0:15:34 > 0:15:37when I'm sleeping and lay eggs in my brain.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39Lay eggs in your brain, that's your main fear about spiders.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41One of the things you have to overcome
0:15:41 > 0:15:43is a room full of strangers.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46So why don't we go out into the outside world,
0:15:46 > 0:15:49pick a couple of bits from your fledgling new acts
0:15:49 > 0:15:51and we'll find a couple of people outside
0:15:51 > 0:15:53and just go up and tell them your thoughts.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56Tell your ideas and try, try and get a laugh out of them.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59Even a smile! Even just a smile will be a win.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03The rookies hit the streets with Alex and Alan
0:16:03 > 0:16:06to test out their material on members of the public.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09This is a chance for them to gauge the reactions of their audience
0:16:09 > 0:16:11for the first time.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13Professional comedians like to test out new material
0:16:13 > 0:16:15to help them refine their gags.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17He's gone to the side. He's willing him on.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19He seems really happy with it.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21- He's laughing!- He laughed!
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- It's funny faces.- He's laughing at the granny. He's doing the granny!
0:16:26 > 0:16:28- He's laughing his head off!- Yes!
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- Walk away, get out of there. You got a laugh, leave!- Run! Go!
0:16:31 > 0:16:33Leave! Go!
0:16:33 > 0:16:35Thanks, you've been great.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38A reasonable reaction for Brandon.
0:16:38 > 0:16:39I have two parrots at home
0:16:39 > 0:16:42and they're giving me the feeling I live in quite a chaotic house
0:16:42 > 0:16:45because one of my parrots only ever makes the fire alarm noise
0:16:45 > 0:16:46whenever...
0:16:46 > 0:16:49Greta seems to be struggling to find her punchline.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51If the dog licks me, she'll say, "Are you OK?"
0:16:51 > 0:16:53Very good!
0:16:53 > 0:16:54Oh, yeah!
0:16:54 > 0:16:57Brave effort from the rookies. But what did the punters think?
0:16:57 > 0:16:59I liked the action in it, you know?
0:16:59 > 0:17:02Because people don't normally express themselves
0:17:02 > 0:17:05in that way and it's refreshing.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- Yeah, very convincing. - Yeah, good job.- Yeah.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12I loved Alan's technique on coming up with new material.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15It was so clever to just write down all the things that bother you
0:17:15 > 0:17:17and turn them into something funny.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21He's taught me so much and I'll try and learn from him.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23I aspire to be like him one day.
0:17:23 > 0:17:24He's just so funny.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26Brandon, you are doing so well.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28I've been so impressed by the way you've applied yourself.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31You are obviously very witty, you've got an unusual mind.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33You're quick to laugh, which makes you good company.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36You've got all the attributes, I think, plus you came up with
0:17:36 > 0:17:39lots of ideas quickly, you got your notebook organised.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42Then to take it out onto the street, that was really brave.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44Greta, Greta, Greta, slow down!
0:17:44 > 0:17:46You talk really quickly!
0:17:46 > 0:17:47I love all your energy
0:17:47 > 0:17:50but you need to be a clearer with what you're saying because lots
0:17:50 > 0:17:54of your ideas are so funny but we just need to hear them clearly.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02A great top tip is to film yourself doing your set.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06So you can watch it back and you can see if you're doing anything
0:18:06 > 0:18:09that's not quite right for what you want to achieve with comedy.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12What I like to do before I go on stage
0:18:12 > 0:18:14is I like to make myself laugh.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17I know it sounds completely bonkers but I like to stand
0:18:17 > 0:18:21and go like this, "Ha-ha-ha-ha!"
0:18:21 > 0:18:25before I go on stage because it actually makes us smile.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29Walk on the stage with absolute confidence.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31Give everyone a smile and a wave.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35And enjoy yourself! Good luck!
0:18:36 > 0:18:39Alan has set Brandon and Greta the task of performing
0:18:39 > 0:18:41at their very own comedy gig.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44This will be the most daunting assignment for the rookies so far.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47Greta and Brandon have to put everything they've learnt
0:18:47 > 0:18:50into practice if they're to impress their audience.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54They've not long to polish their sets, so they need to focus
0:18:54 > 0:18:57and remember everything that comedy guru Alan Davies has taught them.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03So here we are in the comedy venue where you will be
0:19:03 > 0:19:05performing your material.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07- Do you like it?- BOTH:- Yes!
0:19:07 > 0:19:09I'm telling you, this is a nice one.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11Normally you'd have to work your way up to this.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14This isn't the scuzzy sort of dive you'll be in soon.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17It's got a carpet!
0:19:17 > 0:19:20Yeah. You have to remember that when you start out
0:19:20 > 0:19:21it's not easy getting gigs.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24Getting gigs is the hard part, being funny is the next hard part.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26Getting another gig after that is the third hard part.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29It's a constant battle, but we've laid this on for you
0:19:29 > 0:19:30to give you a taste.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32I've got some people coming in.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35But we need to drum up some more audience members, OK?
0:19:35 > 0:19:37- So...- Oh, cool!
0:19:37 > 0:19:39If you go out on the street with these and hand out some flyers
0:19:39 > 0:19:42and say there's a free comedy show happening down here
0:19:42 > 0:19:44that's been made by some fool...
0:19:46 > 0:19:48..then maybe we'll get a few more people in.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50The more people who're in, the better.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53So get out on the street and drum up some trade!
0:19:55 > 0:19:57Free comedy show at three o'clock. This is Brandon.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00The address is down there. Just in the Museum Of Comedy, just there.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02- Would you like to come? - We've got a free comedy show.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05- Exclusive free show at the Museum of Comedy.- This is Brandon.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08- He's an up-and-coming new comic. - The performance is at 3pm.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10He's the smallest comic on the scene at the moment.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- Oh, he's already got one. He's going to be there.- Oh, fantastic.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17It's nearly time for the rookies to stand up for themselves.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20The punters are piling in.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23It looks like they've drummed up some good trade.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26I'm hyped-up. I'm ready, but I'm a bit nervous.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29Yeah. OK, that's good. That's good to be nervous.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31How are you feeling, Greta?
0:20:31 > 0:20:34Very excited, but I'm quite nervous as well.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37OK, that's normal. I'm quite nervous too, actually.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40- Just smash it.- I'll smash it!
0:20:40 > 0:20:42I've got every confidence in you.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- I just want you to enjoy yourself, OK?- OK.- Good.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49The venue's full and the audience are waiting in anticipation.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- Hello, everyone!- ALL:- Hello!
0:20:52 > 0:20:54Some applause, please.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58It's over to Alan to warm up the crowd and introduce the acts.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- What do you call a boomerang that won't come back?- No idea!
0:21:02 > 0:21:03A stick!
0:21:03 > 0:21:06AUDIENCE LAUGH AND GROAN
0:21:06 > 0:21:09Our first comedian now and she's a young lady.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12She's come all the way from behind me.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15I want you to give a big warm welcome
0:21:15 > 0:21:18and lots of cheering, please, for Greta.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25- Hello.- ALL:- Hello!
0:21:25 > 0:21:27How are we all?
0:21:27 > 0:21:29- ALL:- Good!
0:21:29 > 0:21:33I have two parrots and they've picked up some quite strange things.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37One of our parrots will only imitate the smoke alarm.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39AUDIENCE LAUGH
0:21:39 > 0:21:42When I went into the kitchen to make my breakfast this morning,
0:21:42 > 0:21:45"Oh, I think I'll have a peanut butter sandwich."
0:21:45 > 0:21:47"Beep, beep, beep, beep!"
0:21:47 > 0:21:49Happens every time.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52When my dad set off the smoke alarm for real, he said,
0:21:52 > 0:21:56"Oh, the oven is rubbish and the smoke alarm is too sensitive."
0:21:56 > 0:21:58AUDIENCE LAUGH
0:21:58 > 0:22:00But I think my parrot is onto something.
0:22:02 > 0:22:03My other parrot says a few things
0:22:03 > 0:22:08but the one thing that she says most is, "Are you OK?"
0:22:08 > 0:22:11The other day I stubbed my toe, "Are you OK?"
0:22:11 > 0:22:14I fell over the other day, "Are you OK?"
0:22:14 > 0:22:17The dog licked me, "Are you OK?"
0:22:17 > 0:22:20Dad's lovely, even if he does set off the smoke alarm
0:22:20 > 0:22:23every other meal, and my mum taught my parrot
0:22:23 > 0:22:26to be concerned about everything I do.
0:22:26 > 0:22:27They're really lovely parents.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30I think I am going to see them right now. Bye-bye, everyone!
0:22:30 > 0:22:32AUDIENCE CHEER
0:22:32 > 0:22:34Sounds like Greta's done a great job!
0:22:34 > 0:22:36The audience loved her act.
0:22:38 > 0:22:39Greta!
0:22:42 > 0:22:44How about that!
0:22:45 > 0:22:48Now, ladies and gentlemen, you were brilliant for Greta -
0:22:48 > 0:22:50please will you welcome Brandon!
0:22:51 > 0:22:54Can Brandon handle the pressure of the live audience?
0:22:56 > 0:22:58Hey, guys!
0:22:58 > 0:22:59- ALL:- Hello!
0:22:59 > 0:23:02- Thank you! - AUDIENCE LAUGH
0:23:02 > 0:23:06Right, so, first thing first, I am very paranoid.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08I am...
0:23:08 > 0:23:10I had a bit of a rough night last night,
0:23:10 > 0:23:13I had a spider in the corner of my room.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15You know when someone gives you that look where they're going to
0:23:15 > 0:23:18crawl inside your ear and lay eggs in your brain?
0:23:18 > 0:23:20AUDIENCE GROAN AND LAUGH
0:23:20 > 0:23:23We can all relate to that, can't we?
0:23:23 > 0:23:26To make matters worse, a cat dragged a hole in my foot - my cat.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29The cat hates me. It's horrible.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33So I limped downstairs to breakfast
0:23:33 > 0:23:35and I see my grandma
0:23:35 > 0:23:37and she's a vegetarian...
0:23:37 > 0:23:39"Grandma, how about some breakfast?"
0:23:39 > 0:23:42I'm handed some mushroom powder.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44"This is not breakfast!" "Yes, it is."
0:23:44 > 0:23:45"No, it isn't."
0:23:45 > 0:23:50I pretend to eat it, put it in my pocket and I limp to school.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54Now, the first people that greet me at school are two boys
0:23:54 > 0:23:56called Albert and Frank.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58Come on, give us a boo, it's Albert and Frank!
0:23:58 > 0:24:01- ALL:- Boo!
0:24:01 > 0:24:03- They are so mean. - ALL:- Aww!
0:24:03 > 0:24:06They tease me. Frank, he challenged me to a fight.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08They both had me cornered.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12Now, they are die-hard movie fans, sci-fi.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14So I was expecting...
0:24:14 > 0:24:17Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!
0:24:17 > 0:24:19Blast attack! 50 damage!
0:24:19 > 0:24:21But, no. They sort of went in with their fists,
0:24:21 > 0:24:23so I had to think fast.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26I temporarily blinded Frank with the mushroom powder
0:24:26 > 0:24:28and I made a run for it.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30Well, I limped away, actually.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36I may be a bit paranoid, but, you know, everything IS out to get me.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38Even you people.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41Yeah, I'm pretty paranoid right now, so I think I'm going to go.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43You people are getting weirder and weirder by the minute.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46The spider eggs are giving you all tentacles.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48It's hard to look at, so I'm done. Thanks.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50AUDIENCE CHEER
0:24:50 > 0:24:53Fantastic reception for Brandon! That's got to feel good.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55At the beginning of this experience
0:24:55 > 0:24:57I was very worried about doing a gig.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59I didn't necessarily want to do it.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01All that's changed now.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03I just want to keep doing gig after gig after gig.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05It's so fun.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07I love making people laugh.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10I've performed, which is just basically...
0:25:10 > 0:25:12It's just awesome.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15I've used everything I've learnt and I've gone up there
0:25:15 > 0:25:17and done what comedians do.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20It's amazing!
0:25:20 > 0:25:24I think the hardest thing was slowing down and being quiet.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26Greta, well done!
0:25:26 > 0:25:28I was particularly pleased.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31I could tell you had been really working at what you were doing.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34You had listened to the advice and you'd slowed down.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36It was really clear what you were saying and you created
0:25:36 > 0:25:40a lovely picture of the house, the parrot, the kitchen, the chaos.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42It's just exactly the way to go about it.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44Keep going, well done.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46Brandon, I'm very proud of you. That was really brave.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48I don't know how you managed to get up there.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50When I first met, you seemed like
0:25:50 > 0:25:52you wanted to be a comedian but not actually go on stage.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55Then you were talking to people on the street and now suddenly
0:25:55 > 0:25:58you're effortlessly giving out your brand-new material
0:25:58 > 0:26:00to a room full of cheering people.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02I was so impressed. You didn't seem nervous at all.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05This is very good facet to have to be a comedian.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11Brandon and Greta have been on an amazing comedy journey.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14They've talked tips with Johnny and Inel,
0:26:14 > 0:26:16put together their very own sketch
0:26:16 > 0:26:19and tried out physical comedy before taking their material
0:26:19 > 0:26:23to the streets and showcasing their work in front of a live audience.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26But now it's time to hear what the experts really think
0:26:26 > 0:26:27of Brandon and Greta.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35Brandon and Greta, we absolutely think you have what it takes
0:26:35 > 0:26:36to work in comedy.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40- You were absolutely hilarious. - Two very funny people.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42Well done, excellent work. Very good.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44You've taken on everything I've taught you, I think, really well.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48What I like most that you both did was that I really got a sense of
0:26:48 > 0:26:50it was your own world that you were creating.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52It was definitely Greta's life,
0:26:52 > 0:26:55it was definitely Brandon's worldview.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58That's a nice start. So if you keep going on that.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00Remember, it's you, it's what you want to say.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02It doesn't matter what it's about, it's your life, your jokes,
0:27:02 > 0:27:05your style, your comedy.
0:27:05 > 0:27:06If you keep going in that direction
0:27:06 > 0:27:10I think both of you could be superstars!
0:27:10 > 0:27:14The question is, after all that, do you still want to be comedians?
0:27:14 > 0:27:17- Yes!- Yes.- Yes?- Yes.- Are you sure?
0:27:17 > 0:27:19- Yes!- Do you know what?
0:27:19 > 0:27:20I'm not sure I'm not surprised.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22Well, that was a barrel of laughs.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24I mean, I've seen some funny things in my time
0:27:24 > 0:27:26but those two take the biscuit.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Wasn't it fascinating to see the comedy world from the inside?
0:27:29 > 0:27:32Well, thanks for watching and...
0:27:32 > 0:27:34You wouldn't! You wouldn't, no!
0:27:34 > 0:27:37You wouldn't! Agghh!
0:27:38 > 0:27:41Oh, very funny! Very funny!