Introduction

Let’s give a welcome, Jon Hipkiss, a comedian. We will have a Q&A style to talk about how his journey as a comedian performer and came to the Fringe and made a success of it with daily sold out shows. Jon has kindly accepted my invitation to write about his career so far and share insights and challenges in his journey.

Q: Can you describe your style of comedy in 3 lines?

Jon: There’s some high-concepts in there with daily observations. I also love doing characters and voices – so if I’m telling a story then I bring to life the person I’m talking about. I also work clean – no swearing or filth – it’s a lot more tricky to work that way but I like the challenge. 

Q: How and when did you decide to become a Comedian?

Jon: I was five years old and we rented a film called Mrs. Doubtfire. I have never laughed so hard. It was a joyful experience. I fell in love with Robin Williams wholeheartedly. I knew from that moment that making people laugh was a noble pursuit in this life.

Q: What was your first big break / opportunity?

Jon: Each time something ‘big’ happens you think that is the ‘big time’ but the first great opportunity came in 2017 when I was granted a scholarship to study writing/improv at The Second City in Chicago. After graduation, I then booked my own comedy tour across 12 states. I believe you make your own luck

Q: In your opinion, what the four most important ingredients to become a comedian?

Jon: 1) You have it love it even when it’s not working. 2) You have to be free from concern about other people’s opinion or work 3) This may sound ridiculous but you have to be able to play live. Thanks (or no thanks) to social media we’ve shifted to online comedy. These two things are very different. Creating a 30 second clip for tik tok is not the same as playing a 45 minute set to punters. You have to be able to deliver for the people in front of you. 4) You cannot be concerned about fortune or glory. If you love to see people smile and laughing then you’ll be just fine.

Q: What are the 3 main challenges you are facing?

Jon: 1) Being concerned with other people’s success. It’s tough sometimes to see your peers achieve great things while you’re playing the back of a pub to 10 people but trust the process and your time will come. 2) There’s a great deal of pressure sometimes to follow the trend but if you follow the trend you will always be a day late. If you like to do puns then do puns. If you like doing political comedy then do that, don’t follow other people’s success. 3) The biggest challenge is to keep going when things aren’t going great but success is falling down nine times and still getting up on the tenth.

Q: What does a day in the life of a comedian look like?

Jon: Admin is boring. Chasing emails, chasing gigs and booking things. That is not fun but essential. Then you have to write, write, write, write. The brain, however, is hardwired to rest so I’ve found over the years that 90 minutes of sitting down to write is the perfect time. Anything over that any you’re simply procrastinating. If it’s a show day then by 5pm you’re head is in work mode. What set will I do tonight? How long am I on for? I like to eat early so I’ve even by 6pm so I’m not full when I go on stage. 

Q: What advise do you have for dealing with public opinions?

Jon: Focus on the audience you’re playing for in that moment. If you had bad show last night then that’s gone. If you had a bad review, well, that person is not a punter. You have to not care in the right way. The only people that matter are the people you’re playing for tonight. 

Q: What other activities help you in creating a balance and mental wellbeing?

Jon: I’m addicted to exercise. It’s pivotal for the mind just as much as the body. I’m exercising six days a week and I intermittent fast everyday. I only eat between the hours of 1pm – 7pm – without fail. I read a lot and get good sleep. I also have my other passion which is Star Wars and Star Wars collecting. You have to keep engaged in life and find joy everywhere you can. 

Final words from the inteviewer (Derek)

Many thanks to Jon for taking the time to write his parts for this post and inspire the next generation of performers and maybe will inspire one kid in the future (We are writing to him or her) that a career in performing is rewarding and fulfilling.

I think Little Plaza, as part of the Free Fringe is a great stepping stone for performers. Full shows will give confidence for bigger and greater projects and in addition reassurance for the next venue host that he will bring people in. I am certainly looking forward to see his next projects.

About Jonathon Hipkiss – Take a look at his work and follow.

Jonathon Hipkiss, AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD NOMINEE 2024  Leicester Comedy Festival, Jon Hipkiss Comedy | Instagram | Linktree, Content writer  –  Jonathan Hipkiss, Author at Fantha Tracks