Well I held a newbies night in Mudgee in July and it was a huge success. The event sold out and we had to turn people away at the door. I think it's because an open-mic night is such a rare opportunity for people to enjoy outside cities. Sure the odd well-known comedian drops into town every now and then, but a newbies night where you are able to witness social bravery in its purest form, that's unique in the country! I figured that if I could round up 10 people wanting to give comedy crack in Mudgee, then of course there would be other rural areas full of funny people wanting to get on stage and share the lols.

I'm really passionate about inspiring creative confidence in people, so part of my mission with Comfort is for Wimps Comedy is to teach people how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. It's all about embracing vulnerability and authenticity because I think that's the secret to getting an audience to like you, which is key in comedy. I don't know if we'll have the next Kitty Flanagan or Carl Barron in the mix, but if they walk away with more confidence to take risks that lead to self improvement in everyday life, well, my work here will be done. *Dusts off hands*

Yeah, it would be hard to reach the top with a hand, let alone the leg. Comedians can only make a name for themselves by showing up constantly in comedy rooms. Being present, getting recognisable, having people talk about them to their friends. You have to network and make a name for yourself. This can only happen where there is a healthy comedy scene - like the city. All the comedians know each other too, the community is small. For example, every time I meet a new comedian and add them on Facebook, we have at least 5 friends in common. It's true what they say about it being all about who you know, I think it applies to every industry, but it's big in showbiz!

We have six out of 10 comedians so far, which means I'm looking for three or four more. At the moment it's all men on the line up, so I'm really keen to get some gals (or any other gender) involved too! It's always nicer to have a good mix of gender energy on stage. Makes such a difference to the show from my experience. So if anyone wants to chat about it to get more details (and encouragement) please just reach out via my website.

I love the creativity of comedy. I love dissecting other comedians sets and looking at it from a more strategic perspective, working out how they linked smaller one-off jokes to the bigger theme. It's so clever! What I try and teach my newbies is to focus on the storytelling element of it. A good set always has a bigger story that the comedian is trying to tell and the important thing is to get the audience to understand who you are and how you see the world early on.

Yes! And I shall be sharing them in our pre-event workshop. But my main tip for newbie comics is to remember that no one will know you're nervous if you don't let them see it. I try to get the newbies to realise that it really doesn't matter what you say, it's how you say it and deal with it if the joke bombs. People love the rawness of open-mics, they like seeing real people. And a failed joke can easily be turned around to be hilarious if you're ready to use it to your advantage.

Aside from an awesome and intimate atmosphere provided by the venue (The Establishment Bar), expect some very raw and very real displays of comedic talent. Expect awkward moments, fumbling of words and genuine moments of hilarity. Prepare to be surprised and delighted, and sometimes even disappointed. Comfort is for Wimps Comedy newbies night will have a mix of humour styles, but there is likely to be something for everyone!

Well I write a blog about doing things outside my comfort zone and stand-up comedy had been on the list for a long time. Once I actually got up on stage and made people laugh, I found that I wasn't bad at it, which made me absolutely love it. Then I figured that a good way to give myself more opportunities to practice my own comedy is to teach it. I think it's business 101: the best way to learn something is to teach it!

Via my website - comfortisforwimps.com/comedy. The event is on Sunday, November 24 and registration to get on stage closes on November 1. Audience tickets are now on sale.