Comedy in Zurich – explained by Jane Mumford

Jane Mumford, how would you describe Zurich audiences?

I would say they’re critical. Very critical. Audiences outside of the city are sometimes more open, and are more in the mood to laugh than a Zurich audience. But they’re also different from an open mic audience. There, it only really matters how drunk they are.

Just so we’re clear: what is an open mic again?

Ok, so I have to differentiate between open mic and open stage events. They’re two different things. Open mic nights are only for stand-up comedy. It’s where comics come to test out their new material. And open stages mean that anyone can come up and do anything: sing, juggle, tell a story. My career, for example, began on an open stage.

How does it work for an open mic night? Does the host decide who gets to perform and test material?

When it comes to open mics – and this is what makes it exciting – the motto is «First come, first served». As soon as the list is full, that’s it. And here’s what’s great: anyone can do it. There’s got to be a way for people to gain entry, to give it a shot. Without the people that organize these kind of open mic nights – and make next to nothing doing it – there wouldn’t be a scene for up-and-comers. To me, that’s pretty communistic-altruistic-awesome.

Are there open mics that you prefer more than others?

I like going to the kind of open mic nights where the performers stick around until the end and the host is good. I think the one at the Gotthard Bar is really funny, and has a great open mic atmosphere. And I’ve been to Kon-Tiki a lot, they’ve got a buzzing audience there.

You also perform in English.

They’ve got both at Kon-Tiki. Mondays in German, Tuesdays in English. There are so many expats in Zurich, and what’s funny is that the people are quicker to laugh at the English open mic nights. Maybe it’s because they’ve got more experience with stand-up as a form, and go to events because they really want to laugh?

Some open mic events are known for having comics interact with the audience. What if I’m scared of a comic talking to me?

Then go with someone who’s dressed in really loud clothing, and is an extrovert … then the only question you’ll get is «are you here with them?»

From the outside, it seems to me that all of the comics that perform on a show are friendly with one another. Is the really the case?

We’re all on an insane kamikaze mission, and that leads to solidarity. We all know that we’re doing something ridiculous, and it’s no fun for anyone to come off bad.

So what should someone know about comedy before they come to their first event?

You should know that these are people who have an opinion, and are there to express it. Sometimes the audience takes stuff too seriously. You’ll be confronted with a variety of opinions, many of which you might not share, but give it a chance. I’d love to get everyone together for a discussion round after an evening of comedy.

Where or what should first-timers go see?

A mixed show! Despite the terribly low numbers of female comics, I’d recommend a stand-up night at the Bernhard Theater, because you’ll just see a variety of different kinds of professionals. If you’re not sure if you like comedy, then I wouldn’t start out with an open mic night. You never know what you’re going to get. It’s similar to natural wine: If you’re already familiar with good wine, then you can get into natural wine, and it’s a good time.

What do you wish for the comedy scene?

Women. It’s getting better, but it is really hard for women to get past the newcomer stage. Once you reach a level where you’re kind of good, it just turns into a boys’ club. I would like to see a little more awareness from the organizers. Instead of the usual response – «yes, but they’re not good enough yet» – they could say «let’s give her a boost!» Everyone needs a bit of a push at the start, they’ve got to be hyped. The more you perform with professionals, the more you learn from them.

And for the audience?

Try stuff out, take a look at things you might not otherwise search out. Try out «Kleinkunst» before it dies. There’s so much great stuff happening in Switzerland. My worst nightmare would be if everyone just consumes some American bullshit and local culture dies out.

This article originally appeared on January 24th, 2022 and was published again for reasons of topicality. Picture © Remo Buess