Regularly entertaining audiences in Basingstoke, Adam Bloom is at Jan Jacks Laughter-House on June 9 2016

Is it right you started in comedy in your teens?

Not quite, I’d just turned 23. I’d been sacked from my last job as a cocktail bartender and got dumped by my girlfriend on the same day. I was at rock bottom, so thought I’d give it a go. Harry Hill had recently blown me away and inspired me when I saw him live for the first time, so the wheels were already turning.

Who is your favourite comedian?

That has to be an American character comedian called Neil Hamburger.

How important is it to have venues such as Laughter-House?

It’s vital for comedians to grow. Without clubs, there’d be none of the household names you all know and love. God bless comedy clubs. I hope all big names remember the promoters who booked them when they weren’t famous.

What advice would you give someone trying to break into stand up comedy?

Get five minutes together and practice it 50-100 times. Book an open spot in at your local club and use the time between then and your first gig to watch comedians and learn from their techniques.

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