Stand-up is “a bit of an addiction” for comedian Dave Green, and the national lockdown has forced him to go cold turkey.
“It isn’t just the lack of income […] we need to get out there in front of the audience. You just miss that, quite simply.”
Even when events can go ahead, Green said that coronavirus restrictions “aren’t conducive to laughter. People should be wearing masks but it’s quite hard to hear them laughing when they are.”
Green was set to host ‘Comedy @ The Mildmay Club’ – a sold-out gig planned for November 13 – which was cancelled.
The Mildmay Club had worked hard to make the building safe for staff and customers. Committee member Tom Campbell said the closure is “devastating for the club in terms of our role as a community hub”. When open, the Mildmay Club offers bingo, darts, and socialising for older generations, as well as events.
“We completely respect the need for the lockdown, and we are very mindful of the safe health and safety of our members,” Campbell said. However, he added that “light relief and the opportunity to be entertained and socialised is needed more than ever”.
Government bailout funds have supported comedy venues but the Mildmay Club does not qualify since it is a members’ club rather than an arts organisation.
The second lockdown has made the venue’s financial position precarious, but Campbell says Mildmay “has been around for 130 years; we’re very resilient.”
