Behind the Scenes Photo Diary (Sketch 8th July 21)

A few years ago, we made a rule. The first read through of a sketch is for enjoyment, and the second is for working on. We brought it in so as the reader of their sketches wouldn't be staring at two frowned faces deep in thought, ones who think the sketch is funny and 'works' despite not cracking a smile! In a way it was to protect the reader, to protect their ego and give them the joy of hearing the laugh, after all isn't that the reason we're all here in the first place? It also allows the listener to experience the sketch as an audience would, and giving it an honest response. Great right?  The thing is though, this is all a pretence, as we're not really an audience, we're comedians who will have a direct hand in crafting the comedy, so this approach isn't honest.  The truth is, if your sketch is funny enough, or perhaps more so, surprising in its originality, it can break through those frowning concentrating faces regardless. That said, I do try to loosen up on the first read through whilst also contemplating comedy possibilities.

So when this weeks sketch made me laugh out loud on a first reading, I was delighted and surprised. It's another of the type of dramatic sketches we've been doing of late, which is something that excites me. It's important we keep trying new and different things (as well as things that have worked before), to keep it interesting and challenging for ourselves. 

Its one of Hogs premises, it really couldn't be anyone elses. He loves a bit of drama. He's definitely watched the most tv drama out of all of us, and it shows in his parody writing. He knows the tropes! The sketch as written only has two characters, but I always think where possible it should have all three of us in it. I mean, look at how hard I try to get Barry into every Oisinn/Anne sketch. Side note: That's even more important in the live show, I mean imagine a two hander live sketch with just one of us standing at the side looking.?? It would feel like our 2009 show, when I couldn't make some of the writing sessions and basically stood beside the cymbal for half the show. I'm not bitter I swear.  In fairness, I've written Foil in this time, so you know, he owes me.

We've all added a bunch of jokes, and some of them dont fit (think ottoman joke in euro 2020 sketch), but I LOVE THEM SO THEY'RE STAYING, at least in the scripting. There is one joke which when filming I never succeeded in keeping a straight face, so I had to just cut quickly to the next shot, no doubt you'll see me about to crack...

I'm not sure this will be the funniest sketch, but it will definitely be different! And when your doing 50 plus sketches a year, different is good! Sometimes you just need to be surprised

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