Russell Howard has found it tough performing without a live audience for his new show.
The 40-year-old comedian is hosting topical programme ‘Russell Howard’s Home Time’ for Sky One during the coronavirus lockdown, and he admitted there are some "weird" moments.
He told RadioTimes.com: "I had to get these lights up to make a studio and had to figure out how Zoom worked, but I guess we’re all on that journey and then just writing on your own really, and not having an audience to let you know whether it’s funny.
"In my head, even if they don’t laugh, it’s still raising money for charity. It’s weird telling a joke and waiting for the audience. You can’t ad-lib from a reaction in a crowd.
"It’s made me really miss live comedy and I think it’s going to be a while before we can get out there but this will do."
Russell – who is donating his fee for the show to the Trussel Trust and NHS Charities Together – admitted while it’s a good release to be "writing jokes", he feels "kind of guilty" when so many people are suffering.
He added: "Yeah, but at the same time you feel kind of guilty about that. I love writing jokes. I really love it. That’s kind of how I cope.
"Comedy is a mechanism through which you can do life. My wife is out at a hospital saving lives and I’m at home writing jokes about Gwyneth Paltrow’s sex toys. That’s our purposes in life.
"It’s difficult to not sound up your own a**e, but it’s the only way I could cope – I guess it’s the same if you’re a musician writing songs. If you’re lucky enough to have a job that’s your hobby, you’re very fortunate."
‘Home Time’ airs every Tuesday and Thursday at 10.30pm on both Sky One and NOW TV.
Russell Howard finds it strange performing for no live audience
