Birth of a comedy scene

Matt Price visits Croatia

I did a run of gigs in Croatia last week, for the second time in two months – not expat gigs, but in front of locals on the new, if small, comedy circuit developing there.

Expat gigs have a very different dynamic to performing in front of local people. The very mention of Heinz Baked Beans to a homesick British audience in Dubai can get you a round of applause from people just glad to see someone from back home. In contrast, the gigs in Croatia are in front of curious and welcoming locals who speak great English and get most of the jokes.

What inspired me the most, is how Croatia and neighbouring Slovenia are developing their comedy scenes. There are a few gigs and perhaps 20 comedians who have had to learn their trade very quickly, constantly turning over new material in front of hardcore fans. There is no time to hone their material, they just get up there and do it.

I hear new comics complain about the open mic scene in London and how difficult it is to stand in front of six tourists and a dog, but can you imagine being in a country where you don't have that luxury? Where your set has to work immediately because you play to audiences who expect professionalism? Where repeat business and public perception of something different and largely untested can be swayed by the time it takes you to do a mother-in-law joke?

A misconception that irks me is that provincial audiences in the UK don't have as much entertainment and are therefore more grateful for having comedians visit their backwater. Similarly, a question I’m asked about Croatia, is are the audiences grateful because they haven't seen much stand-up?

The audiences I performed to -aren't grateful, they are just audiences. Like any other, they have potential and are there to be entertained. There is other live entertaiment in Croatia and while live stand-up is very new, it is on the internet and on TV, where British comedy is very popular. There is even an Only Fools And Horses theme pub with a Robin Reliant parked outside.

I got to meet most of the local comedians on my first visit and their concerns are no different to any comic in the world, as far as performance goes. They have a level of camaraderie that is impressive and they are pioneers. These are the guys who will be become the Alexei Sayles of the future when the scene grows, which I really think it will.

The fact that that comedians share universal traits makes me believe that humour can be universal too. The audiences aren't used to banter, although it worked for me, but they are extremely attentive and appreciative. They enjoyed the experience and immediacy of live comedy, which is a joy that is so easy to forget about when you have been a comic or an audience for a while.

In short, to witness the early stages of a comedy scene is a huge honour. Croatia is a fascinating country. The hospitality was incredible and should my two new friends Nino and Bobo read this, I would like to say thank you – and good luck.

Published: 2 Feb 2011

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