Hannah George Interview

1)Why did you decide to take part in last year's student comedian competition?

Well, I’ve never won anything in my life. At school, sports day was just a ritual humiliation and the lottery has so far failed to provide those “big money balls” it always promises.

So I entered the competition, without giving it a second thought really, convinced I wouldn’t hear anything back. At the time I’d only done a handful of gigs. I sent a video of one of my gigs in to Paramount Comedy and someone down the line liked it!

2) Describe the final night?
The final night was awesome. The Comedy Store is such an amazing venue to be able to play, particularly as it was only my 13th gig. My gig the night before that was on a stage made out of a wood pallet in the roughest pub I’d ever been in. I wouldn’t be surprised if you could have ordered a pint of testosterone at the bar. Anyway, basically it was such a pleasure to do a gig at the Comedy Store. And then to go on to win was just fantastic. It was also great to get some feedback from the ‘Judging Panel’ of Paramount Comedy, Off the Kerb and comedian Robin Ince. So, after the gig I think I drank about 9 gin & tonics in a row, stumbled about and spoke nonsense to anyone who would listen. I felt like me Nan. It was a brilliant night.


3) Who is your favourite comedian and why?
That’s such a tough question as I adore so many comedians for so many different reasons. My all time favourite would probably be Woody Allen. Or Spike Milligan. In terms of female comedians I love Sarah Silverman at the moment. In terms of circuit comedians I saw some great shows in Edinburgh this year, Stephen K Amos, Pappys Fun Club and James Dowdeswell to name a few.

4) How has your stand up career been going since you won? Performed in any famous venues?
Winning the competition definitely gave me a boost! The competition really did wonders for my confidence; it was so nice to have someone other than my Mum tell me I might actually have some potential at something. I’ve been gigging regularly all across the country since winning the competition, having won the competition it seems to give promoters more confidence in booking me, which is handy. I feel I’ve come on in leaps and bounds since the competition and having the opportunity to play at the bigger venues has been really nice, like the Komedia and The Glee Club.

5) Any other student comedians you rate?
Definitely, there are so many fantastic student comedians out there. I really rate Richard Bond, who was another finalist at the competition. He’s a very funny creature. It’s kind of difficult to say which “student” comedians I rate as I’m not sure who on the circuit is a student and who isn’t….

6) What would you say to any student who may be thinking about taking part this year?
Do it. Winning the competition has made such a difference to me this year. The final was SO much fun. (Yes, so fun that it constitutes capital letters), it’s a great opportunity to be seen by Paramount Comedy and Off the Kerb and definitely helps to set you on your way on the comedy circuit. Do it, do it, do it.