A senior doctor from the Midlands is set to perform his debut solo hour at the Nottingham Comedy Festival after deciding to pursue his stand-up dream.
Henry Michael will bring his show Henry Michael Will See You Now to the Canalhouse Bar on Saturday, 31st October at 4 pm, where all proceeds will go to NHS charities.
From Hobby to Stage
Henry first became interested in stand-up after seeing a fellow junior doctor performing on stage.
Starting out as a hobby, Henry had to put comedy on hold during the COVID pandemic while working in intensive care.
Henry, 37, said:
I was about five or six years into being a doctor, and then I was like, 'If I don't do this now, I'm never going to do it'.
Describing his decision to become a stand-up comedian as a "middle finger up at life and the thrill of doing something that's probably not that sensible", he admits that juggling hospital shifts with gigs can mean long days, long drives and even missed life opportunities.
Two Careers, One Show
The contrast between his two careers provides much of the material for his new show.
Henry said:
I go from sort of messing around on stage to being very serious in a shirt and tie in the hospital. It's an interesting dynamic.
He added:
Amongst my colleagues there's a palpable disinterest, I would say. Although my NHS material and social media posts have been very popular. I initially kept it a secret, but then I realised that my audience didn't need restricting any further.
Family Support
Henry's parents have always supported his ambitions, even when his career path initially took him away from his father, an established TV and film comedy writer.
Henry added:
Well, the irony is my dad's a comedy writer and was probably a bit disappointed that I became a doctor in the first place. My parents have always been supportive though, and my mum would have backed me even if I was a drug dealer. She's just pleased to see me do well, I think.
The Show
A Leicester Mercury Prize nominee and winner of both Southport New Comedian and Comedy Hotspots New Act, Henry wants his debut solo hour to give audiences a positive experience.
Describing the show as "upbeat silliness", Henry promises to make people laugh with medical anecdotes, observations on ageing and plenty of self-deprecation.
He added:
I'm starting to get recognised by people in the street and I have to quickly work out whether it's because I'm a good comic or a bad doctor, basically.
The Nottingham Comedy Festival date marks an important step in Henry's comedy career, while also raising money for NHS charities.
Tickets are £5.50 and available on Henry's official website, along with more information.
