Sheraz Yousaf says bad gigs make good lessons

Let's face it, some open mic nights are pure pain for us comedians. Even with support from fellow comics and friendly audiences there's nothing quite like that sting when something you thought would get a laugh just goes out into the ether to be met by silence. That hot flush, dry mouth, instant sweat, the loss of thought process for your next bit - all these feelings and sensations that derail you from that brilliant piece of humour you took two weeks to write that you finally showcase at an open mic.

And then it doesn't work.

Hey, we all go through it, sometimes for years as I understand. Every great comic has gone through it I'm sure. I've even seen first-hand some extremely respected and successful comics go through it at clubs. But of course there's a difference between how a new act like myself might handle it, and a 20-year experienced pro.

But guess what? I quite enjoy the pain now – though I'm not usually into masochism. I think I've just learned to enjoy the pain as part of the process of becoming a really good act.

I'm at the stage where I'm starting to get some nice gigs, some paid gigs, a touch of recognition, but I'm by no means where I want to be and certainly have many years of experience yet to gain. And so I experience a lot of open mic pain on a regular basis. New material pain, growing pains - whatever you want to call it I've learned to live with it.

So to there comics I say: Feel that pain. Don't shy away from it. When you feel it just embrace it - it's part of your experience.

And in theory it means you'll never have a bad gig again. I'm not saying you won't have a gig where material won't work and you'll be disappointed - you definitely will have loads of those if you're anything like me. But if you can live with the pain you'll find the process of learning so much easier and be able to take the set backs in your stride.

I'll say this as well, if you can't take the pain then it might be time to just knock it all on the head. It takes a certain mental toughness to do this stand-up lark longer term. We all have bad days and need to vent occasionally, but if you're constantly moaning about how the night wasn't set up right or the bar didn't have Babycham which you always have before you perform then go and find something else to do. A promoter being a dick to you? Don't go back - there are plenty of other gigs. An act not being nice to you? So what? Avoid them. A tiny or a non-existent audience? Deal with it.

You just have to deal with every circumstance you perceive as negative and keep moving forward. That's life for you. Things aren't perfect and things don't always work and you might not get what you want for a long time.

And furthermore I LOVE this London open mic circuit. It's a fantastic thing where you have a chance to learn an art form that you feel passionate about, that you can learn in your own time almost by your own rules as long as you are reasonably respectful to others. Those of you crying about how unfair it all is, get the fuck off my circuit and go do a boring office job where you can sit in a corner amending spreadsheets! (I also have an office job but it doesn't involve spreadsheets)

I learned years ago working for myself that no one owes you anything and it's up to YOU to make things happen. So stop crying about how hard things are, live with the pain that exists, and get on with the job.

• Sheraz's (YouTube channel) will be performing an hour-long show, Boring Small Talk, at the Comedy Pub in central London on July 14. Details.

Published: 2 Jul 2014