By Thomas Michael Voss

I went to the Dirty Dicks in Liverpool Street last night to see some stand-up comedians in the making. It's a free event in a cozy little basement room. Basically, anyone one who has a few jokes up their sleeves can take part as it is open mic. Naturally some are better than others and others are funnier then some.

For me it was very interesting to see what the less famous, non TV comedians have to deliver. What becomes very aparent is that timing, diction and confidence is everything. Never mind the jokes - with the right punch and energy you'll get away with almost every and anything. 

Saying that though - what you can't get away with is a lack of rehearsal of your own jokes....... if you stop mid sentence and mumble, blush and crumble - we all know that is not part of the joke and the audience doesn't find that funny or amusing at all.

The question on everybody's mind was - why? It's ackward, not just for the aspiring comedian, but certainly for the audience since there is dead silence and no one will jump in to safe you. But then there should be no need to, if you consider yourself half way professional, you rehearse and you won't go up till things flow, right?! Testing the jokes on your friends beforehand, hopefully honest ones, will help you separating the crap from the goodies, too.

The fantastic thing about the event, location and evening is that it gives everyone an opportunity without having to spend any money. There is an audience and you get that stamina up. Great for aspiring comedians as well as for writers!

When things go a bit off you really appreciate what goes into something mad look so natural and easy on telly! Comedy must one of the hardest things to do I bet.

I only can recommend it - go down there and check it out, I loved it. Rainy tuesday nights 8pm, get a pint and a burger and enjoy!

Thomas Michael Voss