Live stand-up will continue despite TV: Writer Andy Zaltzman

Writer and performing comedian Andrew "Andy" Zaltzman, who employs cricketing humour in stand-up comedies says a "healthy live circuit" will continue to thrive despite an explosion of TV satires.
"When I began there was not much stand-ups on TV, that was six years ago. Now even with an explosion on television there is a healthy live circuit of comedies in the UK. People want to laugh and there is only so much that you can do on broadcast," Zaltman told PTI.
The British artist is in India performing a series on the theme "Cricket vs The World" with shows in Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata and Bengaluru spread out over the whole of October.

The event has been organised by digital cricket brand ESPNcricinfo, in collaboration with Homegrown Comedy, booking and production company.
"I began 15 years ago much as a chance to earn a living and it is great job," says Zaltman who says he was "booed off the stage" once in Manchester.
"I think I tried to get people at a Xmas party to laugh once in Manchester and got booed off the stage. That was not a good experience. I think they were impatient to get on with the party rather than listen to my jokes," says Zaltman.

The comedian, who has visited India twice earlier to cover matches says he has always received a warm reception.

"I have seen India and its relation with cricket. It is very fascinating...," says Zaltman who is performing for the first time in the country.
For his act in Mumbai recently, Zaltman said he used a mix of world politics, geopolitical issues and peppered it with analogies from cricket.
The 39-year-old British comedian who runs a blog titled "The Confectionery Stall" says his shows are "a slow unfolding drama."
Beginning in college where he was singed up by a friend to host a show, which Zaltzman says he got complimented for despite performing a little drunk, the comedian went on to hit active professional comedy.

"In Britain there is a huge amateur circuit, so after a particularly bad gig i stopped doing comedy and then later was persuaded to try out the amateur route," he says.
Despite hosting TV and radio shows, Zaltzman says stand-up comedy "will continue to run strong.