I did intend discussing an old show business tradition, but on reflection it’s too rude for a family newspaper, so instead I’ll discuss a different old show business tradition . . .“Always leave ’em wanting more!”

Comedians, whether they’re world famous or Phil Evans, know there’s a chance an audience might become restless or even bored, if they feel that they’re being ‘talked at’ all evening.

Although it’s a comedian’s job to be consistently funny all through their act to get the necessary reaction, an audience can flag a little, tired of continually laughing.

Ken Dodd is now in his 80s and may no longer perform his famous five-hour marathons, but he’s still very generous with his time on stage.

Even so, he doesn’t joke non-stop all evening.

Experience has taught him when an audience is close to being ‘laughed-out’.

So he’ll occasionally pause to sing one of his many hit ballads or introduce a support act – usually singer Sybie Jones – before exercising everyone’s chuckle muscles again.

The legendary Max Miller rarely did more than 15 minutes on stage – but they were pure comedy gold. And he’s still revered today.

He knew brevity was the soul of wit….and heavy innuendo!

I like to include other comedians on my shows because it gives the audience a bit of variety. I’m first on, which allows me to establish myself and gauge what sort of audience is out there!

I introduce the first guest comic and then pop on and off between the acts, before closing proceedings. By performing short-ish, punchy sets, I try not to outstay my welcome.

Yet some comedians feel the urge to take centre stage for hours at a time and without Doddy’s knack of knowing when to ease off the laughter pedal, it can be an endurance test.

Here’s an extract from a review of Eddie Izzard’s current West End show “Force Majeure”.

“As it enters its third hour, it starts to feel frictionless and I began to experience cravings for something un-whimsical. Izzard’s self-delight is evident when he relates why he’s chosen to perform a routine in German or why his gigs in France compelled him to cast a dolphin in a scene about Magna Carta.”

I know Eddie’s a brilliantly erudite performer, but when a comedian is delighted with himself and relies on being whimsical for nearly three hours, it does smack a little of “Look how clever I am!” self-indulgence.

Perhaps his maxim is…

“Leave ’em wanting less!”

PS: Did you know that Eddie Izzard once lived in Skewen?

It’s a totally random fact which has no relevance to the above but could be a winner in the pub quiz!