100 Comic x 12 Hours = Mirthathon

Fevered is one way to describe the mind of Andrew Johnston another might be inspired.
The comedian, writer and punk rocker has been using his powers for good recently trekking some wild places for Mencap. He has decided to now test everyone’s endurance with 12 solid hours of comedy. 100 comedians doing 7-minute slots, non-stop. The Big List managed to get Andrew to take a breath and answer some questions.

Where did the idea come from?

I've always had a fascination with these kinds of events. My old punk band, the Dangerfields, played four gigs in one day, on 6 June 2006, to make sure we played our 666th gig on that date. We also did 40 gigs in 40 days on tour in 2003. After taking up comedy, I decided to look into world records for stand-up. The Laugh Factory in Hollywood holds the record for the longest stand-up show by multiple comedians - 130 in 80 hours. We're doing 100 in 12. But we're not trying to beat any records - it just seemed like an interesting project to take on, and a fun way to raise money for an excellent cause.

Why Mencap?

I'm a big believer in sticking up for the underdog. Mencap speaks out for one of the most marginalised groups in society - people with a learning disability. Life is tough enough for most of us, but for people with a learning disability it can be infinitely harder. In 2009 and 2010, I took part in some treks organised by Mencap, in Arctic Norway, the Sahara and Kilimanjaro. These raised over £10,000 and were a really positive experience in my life, so the Mirthathon is a nice way to give another little bit back.

This is an extremely ambitious event, has it been difficult to pull together?

It has been difficult. I started putting it together around October last year, and we actually had to postpone it from January until March. Getting the first 50 or so acts was no problem, but after that it's been two confirmations forward, one cancellation back. I'm determined to reach 100, even if it means dragging bar staff and punters up to do spots on the day. If anyone reading this wants to do a spot, get in touch.

Are all the comics performing for free? And how did you get so many to agree?

They sure are. Not just that, but I'll be demanding they fork over some cash for Mencap. Comedians are even more desperate for gigs than musicians. I've done 73 stand-up gigs and I think I've been paid for about three of them. I even did a gig in London that I had to pay into. If we're willing to line promoters' pockets, doing it for Mencap is a given.

It is also an extremely long day, how will the event run? Comic after comic till everyone drops...

I'll start at 1pm with seven minutes, then each comic will hand over to the next, relay-style, until 1am, with no breaks. If everyone sticks to their allotted time slot and we don't have any last-minute drop-outs or no-shows, it'll work out to exactly 12 hours of Irish stand-up comedy. If any of the audience manage to sit through the whole thing, I will personally shake their hand off its very wrist - if I'm still conscious myself.

Who for you will be the highlights?

Some of my favourite local comics are on the bill, people like Christian Talbot, Ronan Linskey, Johnny McCarthy and Hotrod McCaughan. And Paddy McDonnell, who's taking the last spot of the night, is one of Ireland's best comedians, even though he's only been doing it for just over a year. I'm also looking forward to seeing some of the acts from the south that I've never seen before, as well as the first-timers who are taking the very brave step of making the Mirthathon their debut show.

The Mirthathon take place on Sunday 18 March in Auntie Annies and is £6 on the door. 

Anyone interested in having a go can contact Andrew at ajjcomedy@gmail.com