Last year, Funny Women Awards finalist Viv Groskop took on a comedy challenge that, dare we say, might make our Funny Women Award heats seem tame.
As her 40th birthday loomed, journalist Viv began to wonder if it was too late to become the person she always thought she would be when she grew up. But with three children, a mortgage and a husband to think of, was chasing her ambition of becoming a stand up comedian the best idea?
There was only one way to find out. Do a gig, maybe enter the Funny Women Awards and see how it goes? No, Viv Groskop went with what might be called the 'immersion technique' – 100 gigs in 100 consecutive nights from Atlanta USA to Truro. Just to see if she could do it.
After 100 nights of laughter (Viv's, but sometimes the audience's too), heckling, silence and constructive criticism: “reasonably funny – but you don't really have any material, do you, love?” Viv Groskop was able to come to a conclusion about recklessly pursuing your dreams and she's put it all in a book 'I Laughed, I Cried How One Woman Took on Stand-Up and (Almost) Ruined her Life.'
Comedian and actress Sally Phillips has dubbed Viv: “the working mum's version of Eddie Izzard's 50 marathons in 50 days.” Writer and comedian Lucy Porter says Viv has written: “An amazing book about stand-up that’s also about love, determination and pursuing your dreams.” Meanwhile stand-up Mark Watson is concerned: “Viv Groskop tackles her mission with wit, honesty and a devotion that borders on total insanity.”
If you're toying with a comedic themed lifestyle change, or just enjoy reading about others taking huge risks, this book is probably for you. Fellow comedian Jo Caulfield says: “This is exactly what it’s like starting in comedy. Viv Groskop completely captures the rare highs and frequent plummeting lows. Warm, life-affirming and a hugely funny read.”
We can't wait to read how one woman took on stand up and (almost) ruined her life.
Viv Groskop's I Laughed, 'I Cried How One Woman Took on Stand-Up and (Almost) Ruined her Life' is published by Orion on 27th June 2013, £11.99 trade paperback/£6.99 eBook. You can pre order on Amazon HERE.
