Evening Standard Big Comedy Night in association with Uber Q&A: Evelyn Mok

Evelyn Mok is part of the star-studded bill performing at the Evening Standard Big Comedy Night in association with Uber at the Underbelly Festival, Cavendish Square on September 7. The show is headlined by Phil Wang and compered by Babatúndé Aléshé. Also appearing are rising stars Jessica Fostekew and Huge Davies. Get to know her with the first of our comedian Q&A’s.

How would you describe your comedy style to someone who hadn’t seen you?

My comedy is like how you like your coffee. Bland with dark notes and made by a woman who still at 33, hasn’t given up on ‘her dreams’.

Can you remember when you first decided you wanted to be a comedian?

When I was 15, we got assigned an essay in computer class, to write about how they use computers in the future professions we’d like to pursue, and I wrote an essay on how the sketch writers on Saturday Night Live use computers to write all their sketches. I think that was the moment I knew I was going to struggle to make money for a long time.

How does it feel to be onstage making a room for of fans/strangers laugh?

There is no better feeling than when one of your jokes land, and there is no worse feeling than when one of your jokes fall flat. Ironically, the feeling of the latter keeps you pursuing the feeling of the former.

What advice do you have for anyone considering a career in comedy?

DON’T DO IT. Go be a doctor instead, the NHS needs you.

Do you have any pre-gig rituals or superstitions?

I tend to have an ice cream before gigs, that’s why I’m pre-diabetic now.

How do you feel the comedy scene has changed in the time you’ve been involved?

I think the industry has become more mindful of inclusivity which is great, especially as a woman of colour, it’s a welcome initiative. We still have a long ways to go though, but great first steps.

What’s the best thing about being a comedian?

The fact that I can sleep in til noon and no one minds.

What’s the worst thing about being a comedian?

The fact that I can sleep in til noon and no one minds.

What do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t a comedian?

I think I’d be an overzealous comedy blogger cause I was a comedy fan before becoming a comedian so all my time was still spent on comedy.

Can you tell me a favourite joke?

I really like this routine by Josh Johnson: “I took an Uber to get here... We should not be able to see the car in the app on the way to pick us up, it’s a bad idea... Imagine if you had that, imagine if your boss had you on a screen before you got to work? OK, this man knows he’s late and he’s going to Starbucks. OK, we’re going to have to have a discussion...”

The Evening Standard’s Big Comedy Night in association with Uber celebrates emerging comedy talent at a fringe-style live event at Underbelly Festival, Cavendish Square. Tickets are on sale now at underbellyfestival.com/whats-on/big-comedy-night #ESUberComedy. See all of Evelyn’s videos at standard.co.uk/culture/comedy

Read More

Let’s get London laughing again

Canned Laughter comedy review: comics at the top of their game

The London comedy festivals to see this summer: who needs Edinburgh?