What defines a slow-burning success in the competitive world of stand-up comedy? For Ian Smith, a Yorkshire-born comic now enjoying widespread acclaim, the journey to recognition was anything but rapid. At 37 years old, Smith reflects on a career that began with his first gig at just 17. Despite early efforts, his breakthrough felt distant for many years.
From Gimmicks to Genuine Connection
Smith's initial approach to comedy was filled with high-concept gimmicks and theatrical set-pieces. He recalls a phase where his performances involved standing on tables and shouting at audiences. One review candidly noted that he substituted joke-writing with these antics, a criticism he now acknowledges was fair. He experimented with shows performed in a bath or on a bed, inspired by comedians like Tim Key, yet these efforts failed to capture significant attention.
For a couple of years, Smith navigated the comedy circuit without an agent, feeling isolated in the wilderness of the industry. However, he persisted, believing his shows were gradually improving. A pivotal moment came when he decided to prove his capability beyond props and PowerPoint presentations. This led to the creation of Crushing, a show that delved into the neurotic anxiety he experienced following a relationship breakup. Its success marked a turning point, demonstrating that authenticity resonated more deeply with audiences than gimmicks.
Mining Life for Material
Smith consciously decided to live a more interesting and stressful life to fuel his comedy. He embarked on unusual adventures, such as driving a tank over a car in Bratislava with his hairdresser, an experience he recounted in Crushing. This shift towards personal storytelling continued with his subsequent show, Foot Spa Half Empty, which addressed a deeply personal subject: his low sperm count and the fertility challenges he and his partner faced while trying for a child.
Writing about such a sensitive topic required courage. Unlike Crushing, which was written in retrospect, Smith composed Foot Spa Half Empty in real-time during the spring of its release year, as the stressful events unfolded. He described the process as a live coping mechanism, though he acknowledged it might not be the healthiest approach. Initially, he included a line confessing that he hadn't processed any of the material, but eventually removed it to avoid hindering the audience's ability to laugh.
Finding Humour in Anxiety and Success
Smith has refined a comedic persona that channels everyday anxieties, drawing comparisons to icons like Rhod Gilbert and Victor Meldrew. He firmly believes that the best comedy stems from negative emotions—stress, anxiety, and fear. By sharing these feelings, he creates a relatable release for his audience. Despite tackling serious subjects, his primary goal remains humour. He emphasises making even the most stressful topics as stupid and silly as possible, ensuring the focus stays on laughter.
This authentic approach has finally propelled Smith to where he wants to be in his career. With two Edinburgh Comedy Award nominations for his recent shows, a popular Radio 4 series titled Ian Smith is Stressed, a growing presence on television, and a second UK tour on the horizon, his perseverance has paid off. He notes that the self-doubt which once led him to frequently Google 'law conversion courses' has significantly diminished. Ian Smith: Foot Spa Half Empty will be performed at Soho Theatre in London from 25-29 November, followed by a tour in the new year.
