Promoters - a necessary evil or an ally in your progress along the comedy path? That really all depends on whether they are giving you bookings! 

Sometimes criticised - at least in private - these people are the guardians of the coveted opportunities to perform. Most promoters subscribe to the notion of supporting new comedy, some go further and actively encourage it. 

Naturally, as people running a business, they take care to present acts to their audiences that stand a reasonable chance of success. Promoters vary in their attitude to risk-taking with unknown acts. Some are happy to put anybody on, others will insist on a tape, a recommendation or even seeing them perform elsewhere first. 

Their personal comic tastes will always have a significant bearing on the acts they book - and rebook. In a sense, as an act you are always playing both to the audience - and the promoter.

If you are a promoter and would like to make your views known - write to me via the contact page and ask for an interview questionnaire.