I suspect it’s
going to be slightly harder to book at least the first half of next year’s Mostly Comedy
season than usual.
For one, we’ve
had a lot of high profile people play the club for the first time this year,
plus a handful of extra gigs with which to use acts up. Our main setback though will be
the fact a large percentage of the performers I’d usually turn to are out on
tour next year and therefore unlikely to take on club gigs.
I suppose the best way
to look at it is there are only really twelve shows that officially make up our Hitchin season, not including any extra dates we might slip in should an exciting
act become available, plus those Edinburgh previews that’ll potentially make up
another Mostly Comedy Festival in July at a time of year when always a lot of interest. Whatever the case, I’ll be happier when the first few line-ups are
confirmed as at least then the seal is officially broken and we’re on
our way; I just want the odd huge act in the roster that no-one
would expect on the bill to keep things interesting; these days, booking stand-ups
for the club is like being hoisted by the petard of our own success.
In the meantime,
I already have a few irons in the fire for the first few dates, which will
undeniably spike interest if they do it. I just have to keep my fingers crossed that one or
two will come good; sadly a big name always makes a difference.