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Stand up Journeys:  Russell Woodward

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​The Realities of Stand-Up on The Road

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In 1986 I was working in Butlins Security in Bognor Regis on the south coast of England. I had always wanted to try stand up but never had the courage to try. When TV personalities appeared at the camp a member of the security team were assigned to escort them during their time there. For me during the season it was Jack Smethurst (Love Thy Neighbour), Gary Wilmot and Rod Hull and Emu. Rod was a complete gentleman and I told him of my comedy ambitions. He arranged me to go on stage to introduce him and told a few jokes. I got a few laughs but was very nervous. Later he gave me so much advice about comedy. He said that it was obvious that I was so nervous and as a result I was very dead pan in my delivery and that I should use that as a stage persona. He wished me well and hoped I would realise my dream.

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I did nothing more in front of an audience for 15 years until the bus I was driving broke down in the middle of nowhere. Upon informing the office I was told it would be about half an hour to get a replacement bus to us.

 

The passengers were none to happy, so to pass the time I began to tell them jokes and was amazed that I was getting lots of laughs. This was when I realised I could probably do this after all.

 

My first proper gig was at a social club in Largs which went very well. Over the next six months I did around 20 gigs that went really well. The next I completely died on my arse, the most horrible feeling ever but I learned a lot from the experience.

 

Next a wonderful promoter called Mark Mulgrew saw me and offered me a spot on the bill of a variety show in Mussleburgh. I was the only comedian. All the rest were singers. Surprisingly, I went down really well despite my nerves.

 

Even today I am really nervous before every gig. Feeling sick in my stomach nervous and I think I always will be. I have worked all over Britain and Ireland, Spain and Malta. One of the best times was an eight day tour of County Clare, Ireland, here most of the locations for Father Ted were filmed. I had so much fun visiting them.

 

I mostly do social clubs and holiday resorts but my favourite venue is the Panoptican Music Hall in Glasgow because that is where my all time hero Stan Laurel began his comedy journey. My comedy influences are Chick Murray, Spike Milligan, Frank Skinner, Bob Monkhouse and of course the greatest of all, Laurel and Hardy. I intend to continue my stand up for as long as I can. Sorry but I do.