The Comedian's Comedian Podcast Sarah Millican 2012: ComCompendium
Jan 16, 2026
In this engaging chat, Sarah Millican, a beloved British stand-up comedian and author, shares her insights on the writing process and the unique challenges faced by high-profile acts. She discusses her strategy for testing new material and the importance of maintaining a packed gig diary. Sarah also reveals her 'Milliken's Law' for recovering from bad shows and how her comedic style has softened over time. With a focus on positivity and audience connection, she offers invaluable tips for aspiring comics on their journey to go pro.
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Set A Hard Cutoff After Gigs
- Use a strict time limit to stop ruminating after a bad (or brilliant) gig and move on by 11am the next day.
- Treat every gig individually so you don't carry smugness or defeat into the next performance.
Work Your Way To Turning Pro
- Treat turning pro as a risk that requires relentless gigging and reducing living costs to buy time.
- Keep a long, rolling diary (e.g., ~50 gigs) by always booking new gigs after each one to maintain momentum.
Master Every Room For Longevity
- The goal of being able to 'play every room' trains you to adapt material for tiny pubs and big theatres alike.
- That skill separates resilient comedians from those who only work one room type.