Can Performing Comedy Be a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience?
Over the years, I've had thousands of people come through my comedy courses.
Some want to become comedians. Others want to improve their confidence, become better communicators, or simply try something different.
And plenty just want to tick something off their bucket list.
I've heard from so many graduates who tell me that getting on stage was a life-changing experience. They discovered confidence they didn't know they had, made new friends, or proved to themselves that they could do something that once seemed terrifying.
But recently, I heard from someone whose story made me think about all of this a little differently.
A message from James
In 2025, I worked with James Lloyd, a plant scientist at the University of Western Australia, as part of my Future Science Talks Science Comedy Program.
James was one of several scientists who learned to turn their research into stand-up comedy. He went on to perform to a sold-out audience of 200 people at Perth Fringe.
Recently, James contacted me with some difficult news. He'd been diagnosed with advanced cancer.
He also wanted to thank me for helping him get on stage.
James told me that his Perth Fringe performance had become one of the highlights of his career and life. He'd even been sharing the video with nurses who were interested in his research.
He described the performance as part of his legacy as a scientist.
I found his message incredibly moving.
I recently spoke with James on, The Science of Being Funny, about his experience. We discussed his fascinating research into growing plants in space, his time performing at Perth Fringe, and what that performance means to him today.
There's never a perfect time
One of the things I love about teaching comedy is the variety of people who sign up.
We get university students, professionals, retirees and people going through all sorts of changes in their lives.
It's not unusual for people in their sixties or seventies to join us.
And I love that.
You don't need to be young, naturally funny, or dreaming of a career in comedy to get something out of the experience.
Sometimes it's simply about doing something you've always wanted to do.
James's story has made me reflect on my own life, too.
There are experiences I've put off, things I've wanted to try, and opportunities I've assumed would still be there in a few years.
But none of us really knows how much time we have.
And while learning comedy might seem like a small thing in the grand scheme of life, sometimes those experiences become much more significant than we ever expected.
I'm grateful that James put his hand forward to join the Science Comedy Program and get on stage. And I'm grateful that I got to play a part in making it happen.
If you've ever thought about trying stand-up comedy, perhaps now might be the best time to give it a go.
You might just create a memory that stays with you for the rest of your life.
Thank you James
When James contacted me, I was very moed.
He wanted to let me know how much the experience had meant to him.
As someone who teaches comedy for a living, I often get caught up in the practical things: writing jokes, rehearsing, preparing for shows and helping people get laughs.
James reminded me that sometimes I’m doing something much bigger than that.
I'm incredibly touched that, during such a difficult time in his life, James thought of me and took the time to reach out. I'm so grateful that he did.
James, thank you for bringing so much enthusiasm to the stage and for being so generous with your energy and happiness.
You reminded me how meaningful these experiences can be.
I wish we could have done more comedy together. I would have loved to see you performing in more shows, sharing your fascinating research and making more audiences laugh.
Thank you for sharing your story with me. It means a lot, and I’m very grateful.
Listen to my conversation with James: Can Performing Comedy Be a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience? on The Science of Being Funny.
James's show at Perth Fringe World: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxCo_4eGVbw
James's research: https://www.badgrammargoodsyntax.com/lloyd-lab-at-uwa
Explore comedy courses: https://www.sydneycomedyschool.com.au/
Learn about Future Science Talks: https://www.futuresciencetalks.com.au/