For some, success is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma, the secrets of which are the jealously guarded possession of the world’s elite.
Others search for the keys to success in self-help books and lifestyle magazines.
However, for rising comedy star Angela Barnes the road to the top comes down to one simple mantra: ‘don’t be a dick’.
The 37-year-old, who is set to perform alongside comedy veteran Justin Moorhouse at Chrolton Irish Club on Friday, burst onto the scene in 2011 by winning the BBC New Comedy Award.
The Maidstone girl has gone from strength to strength since then becoming a regular on the popular Channel 4 show Stand up for the week.
MM caught up with the red-headed comedian who admitted she was excited to be back in Manchester.
“I have performed at the Manchester Frog and Bucket before when Sarah Millican was there and the Manchester audience was amazing – I had such a great time,” she said.
“I am really looking forward to performing on Friday.”
Angela, born in Kent, only started doing stand-up in 2009 and has been able to take up being a comedian as a full-time job.
“Being a comedian is just a ludicrous thing to do, in my mind it’s not a really job, it’s just something I enjoy,” she added.
“The proudest moment in my comedy career was definitely winning the 2011 BBC New Comedy Award. Before that I was only doing stand-up part-time and I still had a full-time job.
“This sounds corny but it really has changed my life I wouldn’t be doing stand-up now, if it wasn’t for that.”
Angela has continued to gain experience and has even featured on Russell Howards Good News and Eddie Izzard’s Laughs in The Park.
When asked about how difficult it is for women in comedy Angela, told MM: “It is definitely getting easier for female comics, but it is quite hard when starting out.
“Sarah Millican has been a great friend to me because she really has changed people’s perception of female comics. She is just brilliant.”
Filming has now started on series five of Stand up for the week and Angela is thrilled to be back in the thick of it.
“The show is great fun, it is such an exhilarating experience. It is really intense because every time you have to come with unique material,” she said.
“I like to think of it as my comedy boot camp.”
Chorlton Irish Club will open its doors at 6.30pm, greeting the audience with a pasty supper at the bar.
The comedy for the night will start at 8pm and is expected to finish at around 11pm, when Phil Beckett will take over the reins and DJ for those who want to continue the fun till late.
Image courtesy of Stand up for the week via YouTube , with thanks
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