Tess runs the Sanctum,  Hove's only comedy club, featuring local acts as well as people from the London circuit and beyond. There is more information about her comedy interests at www.priestess.co.uk  

High Priestess - or can I call you Tess - How did you became a comedy promoter?

Oh, long story.  Was brought up on Python, Pink Panther movies and the Goons by my parents, videoed everything comedy on TV when I was a kid.  Went to, watched and listened to lots of impro but also got into standup at the Edinburgh Festival 98 when I bagged a bottle-clearing job at the Cafe Royal.  Since then have been being "seen" at comedy gigs as I've become a bit of a comedy junkie. Helped out with some shows, promoted the odd charity gig here and there and was the comedy co-ordinator for the 99 Brighton Fringe.  Started my own monthly gig (the Sanctum in Hove) in June 2001.

...and what keeps you doing it?

Addiction.  Laughter is my drug.  I have to go up to London quite a lot to get comedy fixes from my favourite joke dealers. 

Started calling myself the High Priestess of the Muse of Comedy some years ago.  Started out as a bit of a gag but in some ways I try to live the role - I try to serve the Muse by being useful and putting something into comedy for all the fun I get out of it.

What part do you think you play in encouraging the growth of new comedy? Is it enough to offer open spots at your club, or is there more?

Lots of encouragement and moral support as well as giving a spot, and a bit of constructive criticism here and there can be helpful too.  I think that because I've never been a comic myself I tend to see comedians from a punter's point of view, so maybe my advice would be a bit different from another comics and therefore quite useful.

What's the best way for a new act to approach/contact you for an open spot? And what criteria do you apply?

E-mail is best - I move around for my day job but always read my mail.

It's only a monthly gig so there's a queue, and I always like to either have seen an act at another gig or have references from another promoter if possible, although that's not always necessary. I don't mind giving anyone a break as long as they don't mind waiting their turn.

What impresses you most about a new act that performs in your club - and least?

Most - having worked on and learnt their material properly.  Having original ideas.  Stagecraft is something that has to be learnt the hard way, which is what open spots are all about, but some acts are very genial and charming from the start and that's always nice to see. 

Least - Excessive umming, erring and fidgeting (basically, looking like you
don't know what you're doing), although a little bit is allowable because of nerves. Being too pushy too.  You've got to remember there are more experienced acts than you around - a bit of modesty gets you a long way.

So how can a new act progress from an open spot at your club to a support spot?

Being funny, a nice person and waiting their turn!

Finally, Tess, - if you had one key piece of advice for new acts, what would it be? 

Show no fear and show no pain, I always say.  Also, I think it was Noel Coward who once said "just say the lines and don't trip over the furniture".