The We Are Funny Project Blog

Articles and resources for stand-up comedians

Improv Comedy? Yes. And... Great for Stand-Up

Improv Players have a happy running start at Stand-Up. The Stand-Ups have a few things they could learn from the Improvisers... Everyone is a winner!

stand-up

comedy advice

Lube Up Your Stand-Up

Let's reduce the friction in your funny. Save time, money and painful 'quiet' gigs by... heck, just read on!

stand-up

open mic

comedy advice

Stand-Up In The Cinema

Filmmakers have had a good few goes at representing stand-up comedy on the screen. Some are brilliant, insightful and funny... how many have you seen? How many will you see?

comedy advice

open mic

Video Testimonial - Nick in London - Beginners Group Comedy Coaching Program

Nick was pretty new to the open mic comedy game and was seeking a fun and effective booster... so he jumped on the inaugural Stepping into Stand-Up Comedy Group Coaching Program and here's what he had to say about it.

comedy advice

open mic

Video Testimonial - Josh in London - Beginners Group Comedy Coaching Program

Josh was pretty new to the open mic comedy game and was seeking a fun and effective booster... so he jumped on the inaugural Stepping into Stand-Up Comedy Group Coaching Program and here's what he had to say about it.

comedy advice

open mic

Video Testimonial - Prakash in London - Personalized 1-to-1 Comedy Coaching

Prakash had been on the open mic comedy scene for something over a year and was getting frustrated... so he reached out for a little 1-to-1 help and was delighted with the experience, and the results... aaah, he can tell you himself!

comedy commentary

comedy course

Video Testimonial from Chris in Brighton, UK. For the 'Advanced' level - Stepping Forward in Stand-Up Comedy

Chris had been on the open-mic scene for about 18 months and 'found myself in a rut'... so he did some research and opted for the online Stepping Forward in Stand-Up Comedy course. This is designed for acts with greater than 100 gigs experience... here's what he had to say about it.

comedy advice

comedy commentary

comedy course

Before the Upheavals at Twitter and Tik Tok

While providing advice on personal Marketing & Publicity for amateur comedians... long before Elon bought Twitter and other changes took place... Alfie spouted these words. Helpful?

comedy advice

A Few Words You May Need to Remember

If you're brand new to stand-up, I hope these few words help inspire you. If you've been gigging for a while, I hope these few words will remind you of something you'd do best to always remember.

stand-up comedy

Comedy

live shows

Drunk Comedy Challenge with Hugo Mallard

St Patrick's Day. 'Classic' gig from back in the day. Eight acts. First set sober. Second set... not so much. Don't try this at... all. Three of the eight performers were hospitalized.

stand-up comedy

Comedy

live shows

Drunk Comedy Challenge with Vicky Kember

St Patrick's Day. 'Classic' gig from back in the day. Eight acts. First set sober. Second set... not so much. Don't try this at... all. Three of the eight performers were hospitalized.

stand-up comedy

comedy advice

open mic

Your Momma! Classic Challenge show from We Are Funny Project

It's a classic Challenge themed stand-up show. All the comedians are invited to perform on the theme of 'Your Momma'. Because we are grown-ups! Play on...

stand-up comedy

comedy advice

open mic

The Super Skills from MCing. Alfie chats with Joey Pinz on Discipline Conversations

One of my fave podcast interviews, so far, has been with the most thoughtful Joey Pinz on his 'Discipline Conversations' podcast. Click 'Play' below to enjoy a clipped 7-minutes about how MCing is the super skill to propel comedians on their comedy journey. Play on...

stand-up comedy

opinion

Video Testimonial from Stephanie, in London, UK. Corporate Workshop for Comedy Storytelling

VIDEO - Stephanie is a brand ambassador for a whisky company. Having hired me, Alfie Noakes, to run a Comedy Storytelling for her industry colleagues, she was kind enough to record a lovely review.

stand-up comedy

comedy advice

open mic

Fast Effective Stand-Up Tips. Alfie chats with Joey Pinz on Discipline Conversations

One of my fave podcast interviews, so far, has been with the most thoughtful Joey Pinz on his 'Discipline Conversations' podcast. Click 'Play' below to enjoy a clipped 4-minutes about good practice for both writing and performing comedy. Play on...

stand-up comedy

comedy course

bill hicks

Part 4 of 4. Unedited, Unseen and Unbroadcast Rushes of Unseen Bill Hicks Interview

Part 4 of 4. The final part of the previously unseen rushes of a Bill Hicks interview. With some very strange interviewers.

stand-up comedy

comedy course

comedy advice

How Online Courses Actually Save Time and Money for Newer Comedians. Alfie and JD chat some more

This interview by JD Creviston of the Clean Comedy Podcast focuses on the ways that quality online courses can help newer comedians avoid hard nights, time and money.

stand-up comedy

comedy course

bill hicks

Part 3 of 4. Unedited, Unseen and Unbroadcast Rushes of Unseen Bill Hicks Interview

Part 3 of 4. Previously unseen rushes of a Bill Hicks interview. With some very strange interviewers.

stand-up comedy

comedy course

comedy advice

Quick Comedy Tip from the Playful Humans Podcast with Guest Alfie Noakes. Inc.a little Movie Quiz

A quick tip on performing stand-up comedy, then a little movie quiz to test my 'movie expert' credentials.

stand-up comedy

comedy course

bill hicks

Part 2 of 4. Unedited, Unseen and Unbroadcast Rushes of Unseen Bill Hicks Interview

Part 2 of 4. Previously unseen rushes of a Bill Hicks interview. With some very strange interviewers.

stand-up comedy

comedy course

comedy advice

Alfie Noakes interview. The 'Advanced' level Cinematic System of Stand-Up with JD Creviston

This interview by JD Creviston of the Clean Comedy Podcast focuses on the online comedy course Stepping Forward in Stand-Up Comedy. Which introduces the 'Cinematic System of Stand-Up Comedy.'

stand-up comedy

comedy course

bill hicks

Part 1 of 4. Unedited, Unseen and Unbroadcast Rushes of Unseen Bill Hicks Interview

Part 1 of 4. Previously unseen rushes of a Bill Hicks interview. With some very strange interviewers.

stand-up comedy

open mic

comedy course

The Coveted Powers and Opportunities for Quality MC's

There are LOTS of open mic acts. Operating at so many levels. What is rare, and riven with greater opportunity, are good MC's. They get tons of stage time, expand their skill-set, and have far more avenues available outside of the comedy club. It's the public speaking and hosting super power.

stand-up comedy

open mic

comedy course

Stand-Up/Director? Geddit..?

How many stand-ups became film makers? How many can you think of? In 20 seconds, this may bring you closer to the truth...

open mic

stand-up comedy

comedy advice

Video Blog - Ask Me Anything Video from our Patreon. What Do I Think About Performing Stand-Up While Under the Influence?

On the We Are Funny Project Patreon page I produce early/exclusive written blogs and videos such as this one. Supporters can 'Ask Me Anything' and every once-in-a-while I shoot a number of videos and post them to the Patreon group. This is the first one ever released outside of Patreon.

comedy advice

comedy commentary

stand-up comedy

Podcast Interview - The Light Inside. Humour's Bad Reputation... feat. Alfie Noakes

Podcast - When delightfully gentle host Jeffrey and I began a discussion about my being an interview on his hugely successful psychology podcast, it was very quickly clear that he was interested in the negatives of comedy. I simply said, bring your angles, and I'll show you the light. Here's what we came up with...

open mic

stand-up comedy

comedy advice

Video Blog - Comedy Progression and New Materi-Hell

I've been tinkering with some new tech... So I took one of my old, and still utterly relevant blogs, and turned it into a video version. For your education and delight. I hope you like... This is about how to work in the new material. How to rise up the comedy ranks.

open mic

comedy advice

stand-up comedy tips

Video Blog - Comedy Progression and New Materi-Hell

open mic

comedy commentary

stand-up comedy

Video Testimonial from Jonathan, in London, UK. How to be a Brilliant Stand-Up Comedy MC

VIDEO - Jonathan runs his own London gig. He was delighted with the online course for budding MC's and lays out several reasons why that's the case.

my tv shows

My Documentary

Video - MTV Essential Gorillaz - Written and Directed by Alfie Noakes (under my real name)

VIDEO - Before I was a comedy Coach/MC/Promoter/Booker I made a lot of TV shows and documentaries under my birth name. Alfie Noakes is my stage name. MTV was kind enough to ask me to write and direct a documentary about Gorillaz.

Cinema

Movies

Video - King Kong TV Special - Written and Directed by Alfie Noakes (under my real name)

VIDEO - Before I was a comedy Coach/MC/Promoter/Booker I made a lot of TV shows and documentaries under my birth name. Alfie Noakes is my stage name. My niche was cinema programming, also for radio and print. Here's a TV Special I wrote and directed, for Channel 4, about Peter Jackson's 'King Kong'.

open mic

comedy commentary

stand-up comedy

Video Testimonial from Clare, in London, UK. How to be a Brilliant Stand-Up Comedy MC

VIDEO - Clare has been kind enough share her experience of the How to be a Brilliant Stand-Up Comedy MC online course. Clare's happy and she can tell you why...

live shows

open-mic

stand-up

New style listings template

Check out our regular review of our weekly open-mic stand-up comedy show at Farr's in Dalston.

Movies

Cinema

Comedy

Podcast Interview - My Favourite Film. Apocalypse Now with Alfie Noakes

Podcast - Gav Smith very kindly invited me on to speak about, well, you got that... on any day it could be a number of films. Yet you can never go wrong with this one... hopefully my decade long career as a film journo and deep knowledge of cinema comes across. With some laughs.

stand-up

open mic

Niko

Video - Niko Omilana gigs with Alfie Noakes (3 million views)

VIDEO - When YouTube super star Niko Omilana decides he wants to perform stand-up. Who's he gonna call?

comedy advice

comedy course

stand-up comedy tips

Video - Joke Writing Exercise - Swapping

VIDEO - Here's a simple sample video joke-writing exercise. One of many from the online course for newer comedians, Stepping Into Stand-Up Comedy.

stand-up

comedy advice

stand-up comedy tips

Podcast Interview - Writing and Editing. 'You Have to Write It and Edit It Before You Perform It'

Podcast - The delightful Wayne Jones kindly invited me onto his clearly titled 'Writing & Editing' podcast. Often, when I am interviewed for a show, I don't know what the host will entitle my particular interview. Wayne nailed it with this one...

comedy advice

stand-up comedy tips

comedy course

Swearing In Stand-Up. The Power of F**k

VIDEO - Swearing is a very special power. Don't waste it. Allow me to explain a little...

stand-up

comedy advice

comedy course

Video - MC's. How to Protect Your Comedians

VIDEO - The MC is the lynch-pin of any comedy gig. They have a duty of care to everyone in the room... but most of all I would argue, in open mic, to look after the acts on their stage.

comedy advice

comedy course

stand-up comedy tips

Video - Joke Writing Exercise - Predictable Twists

VIDEO - Here's but one simple sample video joke-writing exercise. One of many from the online course Stepping Into Stand-Up Comedy.

open mic

comedy advice

stand-up comedy tips

Neutralizing Nasty Nerves

VIDEO - Getting nervous before the first gig, early gigs... and ultimately headlining... it's normal. However, there are means to mitigate those feelings.

open mic

comedy advice

stand-up comedy tips

Status, Status, Status. This One's About...

VIDEO - Status is one of the most essential principles in stand-up comedy. Understanding how to use it... well, it's definetely worth knowing about.

stand-up

open mic

comedy commentary

Video Testimonial from Scott, in Darwin, Australia

VIDEO - Here's a review on the Beginners online comedy course, Stepping Into Stand-Up from Scott in Darwin, Australia.

stand-up

comedy advice

comedy commentary

Podcast Interview - The Vibe with Ky feat. Alfie Noakes. The Comedy/Mental Health Connection.

Podcast - Ky and Alfie discuss a delicious array of matters regarding comedy and mental health, with funnies.

stand-up

comedy advice

Podcast Interview - Super Powers School. How Does Stand-Up Comedy Improve Public Speaking?

Podcast - Stand-Up comedians are some of the finest public speaker on the planet. A role which terrifies too many people. So many of the skills of stand-up are transferable to venues outside of a comedy club. Here are some tips and insights for comedians and other public speakers.

stand-up

open mic

comedy advice

Video - MCing from The Clean Comedy Podcast with JD Creviston

VIDEO - Good MCs are hard to find. Which is why they are in high-demand, enjoy extra transferable skills and have more earning opportunities.

stand-up

comedy advice

comedy course

Video - MCs. How to Kick Off the Show Like a Pro

VIDEO - The MC is arguably the most important figure on any stand-up stage. Plus, the skill-set is powerful and highly transferable. The fact is, there are far too few decent MCs on the open mic circuit.

stand-up

comedy advice

comedy course

Video - Taster of The 3 Roles of a Reviewer

VIDEO - There are significant differences between Critics and Reviewers. Though they are both very real in the world of films and stand-up comedians.

stand-up

comedy advice

comedy course

Video - Your Unique Take on the World

VIDEO - Smile. As you understand that there is no one who can do what you are going to do. Just you. Special.

stand-up

comedy advice

comedy course

Video - Super Powers & Writing Hacks

VIDEO - The idea here is that the Comedian and the Screenwriter share much in common. Here are some sample flourishes to benefit an effective speaker.

stand-up

open mic

Video - Neutralizing Nasty Nerves

VIDEO - Nerves. Scary fear. Easily mitigated. Public Speaking is often said to be the greatest phobia. Yes it takes guts. Yet there are strategies...

stand-up

open mic

Video - How to be the Star of Your Own Show

VIDEO - Here's a taster from the first of two online sessions addressing the concept of the stand-up being the Leading Role in their own production. This video begins on the subject of Body Language AKA Non-Verbal Communication.

stand-up

open mic

Video Testimonial from Joe, in Los Angeles, USA

VIDEO - Here's a review from L.A. Joe of his happy and fruitful experience of working with comedy coach Alfie Noakes.

stand-up

open mic

Video Testimonial from Gordana, in London, UK

VIDEO - Here's a review of 1-to-1 comedy coaching with Alfie Noakes, from Gordana in London, England.

stand-up

open mic

Video Testimonial from Lance, in London, UK

VIDEO - Here's a review of 1-to-1 comedy coaching with Alfie Noakes, from Lance in London, England.

stand-up

open mic

Video Testimonial from Libby, in London, UK

VIDEO - Here's a review of 1-to-1 comedy coaching with Alfie Noakes, from Libby in London, England.

stand-up

open mic

Video Testimonial from John, in Northampton, UK

VIDEO - Here's a review which features John discussing how he liked the in-person workshop with Alfie Noakes so much, he opted for some 1-to-1 comedy coaching.

stand-up

open mic

Video Testimonial from Rob, in London, UK

VIDEO - Here's a review of the online course Stepping Into Stand-Up Comedy and the experience of having 1-to-1 comedy coaching with Alfie Noakes, from Rob, in London, England.

stand-up

open mic

Video Testimonial from Sam in London, UK

VIDEO - Here's a review of both the Beginner and Advanced online courses for open mic comedians, from Sam in London, England.

stand-up

open mic

Video Testimonial from Christophe in Paris, France

VIDEO - Here's a review of 1-to-1 comedy coaching with Alfie Noakes, from Christophe in Paris.

stand-up

open mic

Video Testimonial from Linda in San Diego, USA

VIDEO - Here's a review of the online course Stepping into Stand-Up Comedy, and 1-to-1 comedy coaching, from Linda in San Diego.

stand-up

open mic

What an Open Mic Room Really Is...

VIDEO - Here's a brief outline of the three key functions that an open mic room provides for performers. Plus, two roles that the room provides for actual jokes.

live shows

stand-up

open mic

Comedic Confidence: Elevate Your Public Speaking and Life Coaching Game with Humour

Life is more easily navigated with more skills in our possession. Stand-Up Comedy is a fun and effective way to gather up more abilities than you may have imagined. From building confidence, developing personal relationships, navigating the dating scene, boosting career prospects and a whole lot more.

live shows

stand-up

open mic

How to Handle a Bad Stand-Up Gig

When a set goes badly... you have to pick yourself up and try, try again. Stage deaths are near inevitable. Indeed, they are essential. Yet painful. Here are some thoughts on how to make the most of bad gig.

open-mic

stand-up

Niko

Behind the Laughter: My Perspective on Being The Focus of a Top-Rated YouTube Prank

Here are some thoughts on the experience of working with YouTube superstar, Niko Omilana. Disclaimer: No comedians were (really) hurt in the making of this Number One trending video.

stand-up comedy

open mic

comedy course

Hardcore Sets. Advice for Stand-Ups on How to Improve Your Very Public Performance.

Here we working through more of the finest practices for getting sharper at stand-up. It's all about you, as I urge the habit to Record, Rehearse and Review.

stand-up comedy

open mic

comedy course

Punchline Production: Filmmaking Techniques for Hilarious Stand-up

Comedians are their own Producer, Director, Screenwriter and Leading Role... and that's just the beginning of understanding the overlap between cinema and stand-up. Then there's the Marketing/Publicity, Critics, Competitons and Agents. Welcome to a taster of the unique Cinematic System of Stand-Up as applied in the online course for more advanced amateur comedians, Stepping Forward in Stand-Up Comedy.

live shows

open-mic

stand-up

Youtube

Check out our regular review of our weekly open-mic stand-up comedy show at Farr's in Dalston.

stand-up comedy

open mic

comedy course

Writers Write. Right? Tips on How to Produce Fresh Material for the Stage

There are hacks and insights for catalyzing quality output. A couple of those are detailed here, for the developing comedian. There's no getting away from writing. Right? Write?

open-mic

stand-up comedy

stand-up comedy tips

Course? Correct! How Studying Stand-Up Can Help You Crush!

Sometimes, silly people say, 'You can't teach how to be funny'. The fact is, anyone can learn how to be funnier. Live and in-person, one time only. Online at any time, pace or place. Comedy courses bring incredible value to open mic level comedians, public speakers of all stripes, and simply, the comedy curious.

open-mic

stand-up comedy

stand-up comedy tips

Fun-Fuelled Learning. Workshops for Stand-Ups and the Comedy Curious.

When it comes to stand-up and pubic speaking, really the same thing , there are ways to get better, faster. Themed workshops allow people to jump in, learn and have a laugh, and swiftly be on their way. Allow me to explain...

open-mic

stand-up comedy

stand-up comedy tips

The Comedy Voyeur: Elevate Your Act with Expert Techniques

Allow me to explain one of the most fun ways to get better at performing the funny...

Welcome to the "Do-er" Gig

Masses of comedians who played the circuit pre-pandemic have chosen not to return. An enthusiastic and promising new generation has emerged to take their places. However, there are some issues and as a result changes have to be made...

Welcome to the "Do-er" Gig

stand-up comedy

open mic

comedy course

Stand-Up Comedy? Course You Can...

A new generation of open mic comedians are stepping up... Alfie Noakes offers some options.

stand-up comedy

open mic

comedy advice

The Benefits Of "Having a Go" At Stand-Up Comedy

Being aware of the awesome range of benefits from having a go at stand-up comedy is a major incentive to have at it. Most stand-up fans secretly want to try performing and the good news is, it is rather easy to get up and do it.

Some Key Ingredients for a Quality Stand-Up Comedy Show

Good promoters and MCs work tirelessly to make their shows as welcoming as possible for performers and audience. So what makes a quality comedy night? And what can we do if things aren't going quite according to plan?

live shows

stand-up comedy

comedy advice

Professional Stand-Up Comedians Vs. Hecklers

This is the second of a two-part themed blog. Alfie Noakes ponders the stakes and standards when a determined heckler announces themselves in a professional comedy room. Part one considers hecklers in an open mic setting.

How to Handle Hecklers without Ruining the Gig

This is the first of a two-part themed blog. Alfie Noakes focuses on hecklers, and the heckler-adjacent, in open mic comedy. Offering tips and insights on managing these rascals. Part two considers hecklers in a professional comedy setting.

Funny, Fabulous and F**ked Up Comedy Formats

Comedians and performers are routinely freshening up their output. When a promoter does some of that too, both acts and audience benefit. There's a lot of fun to be had by being innovative while showcasing stand-up performances.

Learn from the Film Industry and Create an Amazing Stand-Up Comedy Set

There are lessons, ideas and practises in the film production world that carry value into the stand-up universe. Whether selecting material, generating content or marketing oneself, film makers have a lot to teach comedians. (Much more to follow in a pending project)

Learn from the Film Industry and Create an Amazing Stand-Up Comedy Set

stand-up comedy

open mic

comedy advice

Performing Your New Stand-Up Material

With new jokes written, the next step is to perform them. Alfie Noakes provides some techniques to make that process more efficient and smooth. Turning the new material into "banker" material as quickly as possible.

Writing for Comedians

There are ways to come up with comedy ideas, write jokes and to increasingly enjoy the creative process. Alfie Noakes argues that facing the blank screen or page is less than ideal for comedians and provides practical tips on how to write comedy.

stand-up

stand-up comedy

open mic

Learning How to Write Comedy Doesn't Need To Be a Mystery

Funny is funny. As with all art-forms there are tips, tricks and techniques to hit the ground running and develop your stand-up skill set. Here are some tips on how to write some jokes.

stand-up comedy

open mic

comedy advice

Comedy Progression and New Materi-Hell

Moving up the comedy ladder has an awful lot in common with working in your newest material so everything comes together as seamlessly/painlessly as possible. Here are some tips and observations for navigating both...

Why I Treat Every Comedy Show Like a Party… And Maybe You Should Too

There's an attitude that really helps to put on the best show. Sharing this approach makes it better for the MC, the acts and the audience. It's a matter of perspective...

Here's How To Book More Open Mic Gigs

In order to have more fun and improve as a comedian, stage time is essential. Here are a few ways to maximise your opportunities in booking gigs.

stand-up comedy

comedy commentary

open mic

I've Been On a Comedy Stage 1000 Times... Yet I Am Not a Comedian

Considerations of the skills, advantages and differences between MCing and being a straight up comedian

The Gift of Laughter... Give or Take

Some thoughts on the healing or rejuvenating power of comedy, laughter and being a part of the comedy community

stand-up comedy

comedy commentary

open mic

The Three Tiers Of Open Mic... Where Are You?

Alfie Noakes argues that there are three arenas for people to play in open mic and that most performers are in more than one at any time.

stand-up comedy

open mic

comedy advice

Your Comedy Investments...

When you step on stage a couple of nights a week, you are making a big investment. Here's how to get the best possible return on the time and money you spend in stand-up comedy.

A Wonderful Success Story... And a Learning Opportunity

From your first open mic to crowning comedic triumphs there are paths with more value and class than others... here is a case-in-point

stand-up comedy

open mic

comedy advice

The Worst Audiences... and How to Avoid Them

Open mic nights can be barren when it comes to having a "real audience" but there are those who can really help turn that tide

Words and Numbers

During the lockdowns, Zoom gigs served many purposes, and possibly will do so again. But let's be realistic...

live shows

open-mic

stand-up

Blog tutorial example with Michael Pena

Alfie "Ant Man" Noakes and the Man in the Chair talk lorem ipsem dolor sit amet.

live shows

open-mic

stand-up

This show shouldn't have worked... but it did!

With a smaller audience than usual, unknown open mic comedians, and new material-a-go-go, the odds were against us. But with solid jokes, charming stage craft, and a stellar headliner, this gig really worked.

live shows

open-mic

stand-up

Back to the comedy grindstone

We're back running open mic shows after all the pandemic madness. five gigs in, here's how things are going and what we have learned so far about post-lockdown comedy.

live shows

open-mic

stand-up

Blog template

Check out our regular review of our weekly open-mic stand-up comedy show at Farr's in Dalston.

About us

Grab our FREE e-book

To get your .pdf copy of Eight Ways to Turbocharge Your Stand-Up Comedy--and get regular updates and offers from the We Are Funny Project--leave your email address below, and we will send you a link to your e-book.

Success! Now check you email to download the e-book.

Navigation

Small print

Featured resources

Connect with us

Created with