Outside Eye (for comedians)
The Outside Eye
This tends to be a 3 hour session helping to work up show or significantly develop a comedic idea (a mix of time spent in prep watching tape or reading a script and up to 3 hours working through it together)
ABOUT THE SESSION:
The focus of the session is driven by the priority of the performer/s but would generally include structural advice, helping make a show more distinctive to the writer, developing/extending jokes and adding toppers/callbacks etc, mapping a realistic timeline to the Fringe, and brainstorming further creative ideas for your show.
Where the performer/s already has the show in some sort of rough shape this would likely involve watching a run through at the Bill Murray (or elsewhere), taking extensive notes, and then spending 90 minutes to 2 hours afterwards working through these and suggesting future action
For shows that are at an earlier stage of development, Dec can help with the writing process, accountability, motivation, encouragement and excellent advice.
As an Outside Eye Dec has worked on helping create Edinburgh Fringe shows, develop Tour Shows, build sets for Live at the Apollo (BBC), Netflix, Amazon, 800 Pound Gorilla and Next Up Specials, adding in comedic elements into plays/social media/Gameshows/TV series.
Dec’s worked as an Outside Eye on live shows with acts including Viggo Venn, Jordan Brookes, Alexandra Haddow, Tatty Macleod, Kemah Bob, Jonny Pelham, Gauri B, Shenoah Allen, Avital Ash, Ted Hill, Mark Bittlestone, Marjolein Robertson, Kate Cheka, Graham Dickson, Fiona Ridgewell, John Meagher, James Barr, Benji Waterhouse, Steve Bugeja, Chloe Radcliffe, Jacob Hawley, Grace Campbell, Joshua Bethania, Alex Kealy, Abby Wambaugh (and many more also brilliant people).
Recent reviews include
Abby Wambaugh’s ‘The First 3 Minutes of 17 Shows’ (Winner, ISH Awards Best Newcomer) “A masterpiece of construction” The Guardian
Chloe Radcliffe ‘Cheat’ “An expertly put together show. It’s construction, worthy of greats like Mike Birbiglia, is impressive“ Chortle
Standard charge for the Outside Eye is £275
“Invaluable, both structurally and emotionally. He challenged me exactly when I (and the show) needed it, and he’s so effective at discerning between large-scale issues and lower-stakes line notes. He has such a capable eye when it comes to not only spotting the shows soft spots but also framing them in context of the larger material and my identity as a performer. And when it comes to emotional fortitude, I have relied on him time after time (and will again I’m sure!). He’s gentle without ever veering into mealy mouthed. His guidance immediately imbues confidence.”
“My Outside Eye session with Dec completely shaped the way I approached my debut hour and the structure of the show. I left the session totally inspired and got to work straight away with instantly positive results from audiences. His insight into what a show needs whilst remaining true to your own persona and style is second to none and I could not recommend it enough. As well as what I needed to expand on, Dec was also extremely honest with what wasn't working and what bits should be cut, which is just as invaluable to creating the best show you can. Thank you Dec!”
"Without Dec, I would simply be that hamster on a wheel - permanently stuck and unable to get out of the jungle of ideas in my own head. Dec's manner is mild and polite, which was crucial when he needed to ask me blunt questions or make concise suggestions ("Why should I care about this point here?", "This joke is not strong enough.") I don't think I could have handled these comments if they had come from someone with too abrasive a tone, yet those were exactly what I needed to be told as a performer. It is not likely to get honest comments like these from fellow comedians or people around you, as they'd find these too rude to say. When I asked my friends to recommend someone to provide coaching/direction, I said I would like someone who does not just impose their vision or perception of me. With Dec, I definitely feel it’s a two-way street, in that Dec sought to understand who I am as a person, what my comedy persona on stage is and tailors his advice to me accordingly. That's the best kind of help a comedian can hope for. "
“Dec’s skill is that he can wrap up really useful feedback whilst still being kind. He’s good on structure and on how the audience perceive things. I can honestly say the stuff I’m doing is better because of him and all the bad bits are because I’ve stubbornly refused to listen”
“In just a few hours Dec brought the enormous weight of his comedy brain to bear on my show, in the kind, compassionate manner that is his calling card. He is a brilliant comedy personal trainer and will expertly whip your material into shape”
“Dec was superb; the outside eye session gave me so much confidence and direction – he helped me turn a bunch of disparate ideas that were in the wrong place, into an order and structure that was both funnier and more true to the show itself. I cannot recommend Dec highly enough, without him my show would have been far worse.”
“Working with Dec has been such a positive experience. He creates a supportive space which encourages creativity so that I can be open, honest and really mine my life for material that’s unique to me. The feedback is constructive yet I never feel judged which means I always come away feeling like I’ve improved and excited to test the material we’ve worked on. For me one session with Dec is the equivalent of 100 gigs.”
"I’d have no hesitation in saying the show I ended up producing would not have been anywhere near what it was without Dec’s help. Crucially he gave me a structure that focussed the themes of the show and allowed me to place pieces of material in an order that lead to the show having a narrative arc, or “through line”. I also can’t stress enough how much funnier he made it; he pointed out opportunities for toppers on jokes, highlighted where further callbacks could be used and, importantly, encouraged me to avoid taking easy routes to laughs where more interesting jokes could be developed. These sessions were crucial in developing work that is distinctive to me as an act, as well as beneficial to my own understanding of my voice as a writer and performer, and I’d recommend it to anyone.”
“My Outside Eye session with Dec completely shaped the way I approached my debut hour and the structure of the show. I left the session totally inspired and got to work straight away with instantly positive results from audiences. His insight into what a show needs whilst remaining true to your own persona and style is second to none and I could not recommend it enough. As well as what I needed to expand on, Dec was also extremely honest with what wasn't working and what bits should be cut, which is just as invaluable to creating the best show you can. Thank you Dec!”
“My Outside Eye session with Dec completely shaped the way I approached my debut hour and the structure of the show. I left the session totally inspired and got to work straight away with instantly positive results from audiences. His insight into what a show needs whilst remaining true to your own persona and style is second to none and I could not recommend it enough. As well as what I needed to expand on, Dec was also extremely honest with what wasn’t working and what bits should be cut, which is just as invaluable to creating the best show you can. Thank you Dec!”
Alexandra Haddow, “Not My Finest Hour” Nominee – Best Newcomer Leicester Comedy Festival 2023“Dec’s skill is that he can wrap up really useful feedback whilst still being kind. He’s good on structure and on how the audience perceive things. I can honestly say the stuff I’m doing is better because of him and all the bad bits are because I’ve stubbornly refused to listen”
Rob Manuel, “Fesshole Live” (Tourshow) 2023
“In just a few hours Dec brought the enormous weight of his comedy brain to bear on my show, in the kind, compassionate manner that is his calling card. He is a brilliant comedy personal trainer and will expertly whip your material into shape”
Graham Dickson, The Free Association
“Dec was superb; the outside eye session gave me so much confidence and direction – he helped me turn a bunch of disparate ideas that were in the wrong place, into an order and structure that was both funnier and more true to the show itself. I cannot recommend Dec highly enough, without him my show would have been far worse.”
Ted Hill, “All the Presidents Man” & “Tries and Fails to Fix Climate Change” Edinburgh Fringe & Soho Theatre 2022 & 2023
“What is there to say about Dec that hasn’t already been said by every comedy legend? I came to Dec as a very clueless American with little knowledge or expertise about the Edinburgh Fringe and left the festival having been signed by Avalon. Dec’s “Outside Eye” is actually magic and in my opinion is actually essential to any artist. I think it’s possible he’s a wizard given he helped transform my show in just under 2 weeks. If you’re seeking iconic comedy wisdom look no further. You have found the Holy Grail of Comedy.”
Leah Lamarr, “NFTs”, Gilded Balloon, Edinburgh Fringe 2022
“Working with Dec has been such a positive experience. He creates a supportive space which encourages creativity so that I can be open, honest and really mine my life for material that’s unique to me. The feedback is constructive yet I never feel judged which means I always come away feeling like I’ve improved and excited to test the material we’ve worked on. For me one session with Dec is the equivalent of 100 gigs.”
Fiona Ridgewell (joint winner Best Newcomer Ish Awards 2023)
“You really pointed out to me where I was just doing same old shit & where I shone & helped me lean into my strengths. It’s got better & better. Never felt as confident or happy about something in my life. And a big thanks goes to you.”
Raul Kohli, “Russian Weapon of Mass Destruction”, Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh Fringe 2022
“Working with Dec completely changed the way I thought about my show and who it was for. Dec is totally honest about what works and what doesn’t, and I left the sessions with tons of ideas about what I needed to do to clarify the structure, narrative and the character. The sessions were inspiring, full of information, and absolutely the best thing I did for my show”
Delea Shand (Madame Chandelier) “Rough Guide to the Opera” – show nominated for Best Comedy Show, Manchester Fringe
I’d have no hesitation in saying the show I ended up producing would not have been anywhere near what it was without Dec’s help. Crucially he gave me a structure that focussed the themes of the show and allowed me to place pieces of material in an order that lead to the show having a narrative arc, or “through line”. I also can’t stress enough how much funnier he made it; he pointed out opportunities for toppers on jokes, highlighted where further callbacks could be used and, importantly, encouraged me to avoid taking easy routes to laughs where more interesting jokes could be developed. These sessions were crucial in developing work that is distinctive to me as an act, as well as beneficial to my own understanding of my voice as a writer and performer, and I’d recommend it to anyone.”
Jacob Hawley, “Faliraki”, Edinburgh Fringe/Soho Theatre, London 2019
“Dec tailors his approach to you, creating space to authentically uncover personal idiosyncrasies and experiences, and play around with them inventively as an engaging comedian or storyteller. He can take you from a bunch of possibilities in your head, to the arc of a show; providing strategies for developing the bigger picture of the work, as well as assisting with the details and the delivery of specific jokes and ideas.”
Louise Ashcroft, Artist and Lecturer in Fine Art, Goldsmiths, University of London “Birdhut Spermbank”, Camden People’s Theatre
“I’m really annoyed that my show is much better because of what Dec suggested”
David Ian, Co-Founder Queer Comedy Club
“I can’t recommend Dec Munro enough. He really opened my eyes to the key things I personally needed to do to bring more depth and originality to my work. He instantly put me at ease and I felt like I could talk to him about anything. In just one session I came out feeling so much more inspired and so much more confident about the next stages of the creative process that I needed to embark on and explore”
Zahra Barri
I have done the odd session with Dec and then worked more intensely with him on my last show which I was terrified about doing but it was the best thing I’ve ever created! I like working with Dec even when he stares at you and then pauses and says nothing and you feel your darlings are wilting in the silence. Then he smiles and after a while says ‘but what do you mean? And more importantly why should we care?’ He pushes you to dig deeper even when doing so may feel uncomfortable but it will get you to force yourself to create actual authentic results. Creating a show is a personal thing but I’ve always felt safe and supported working with Dec, he knows what he’s doing and I’d say if you want to push your work to the next level, work with this man. Sometimes it doesn’t click in straight away cos your ego and fear are driving your brain but I found myself coming away from the last Edinburgh fringe with the penny dropping and a show I could be proud of. Thanks, Dec for pushing me
Alternative –
For a straight white man in comedy he’s actually alright. I didn’t feel harassed for a single second
Faye Treacy “Where’s Your Head at?” Edinburgh Free Fringe 2022
“Without Dec, I would simply be that hamster on a wheel – permanently stuck and unable to get out of the jungle of ideas in my own head. Dec’s manner is mild and polite, which was crucial when he needed to ask me blunt questions or make concise suggestions (“Why should I care about this point here?”, “This joke is not strong enough.”) I don’t think I could have handled these comments if they had come from someone with too abrasive a tone, yet those were exactly what I needed to be told as a performer. It is not likely to get honest comments like these from fellow comedians or people around you, as they’d find these too rude to say. When I asked my friends to recommend someone to provide coaching/direction, I said I would like someone who does not just impose their vision or perception of me. With Dec, I definitely feel it’s a two-way street, in that Dec sought to understand who I am as a person, what my comedy persona on stage is and tailors his advice to me accordingly. That’s the best kind of help a comedian can hope for. ”
Kuan-Wen Huang, “Isla Formosa” Nominee Best Show Leicester Comedy Festival 2023
“I am eternally grateful for my sessions with Dec. Working with him was the best investment I made in my show. Dec asked me the right questions to help me see the bigger picture and give it purpose. When I came to him, I felt like I had all these great ingredients but I wasn’t sure what to cook. Is that a lame metaphor? Probably, but he helped me craft my show into something I’m excited to eat and I think audiences will be too. Oh no, I took the food metaphor too far. “
Bronwyn Sweeney “Off Brand” Edinburgh Fringe 2023
“Invaluable, both structurally and emotionally. He challenged me exactly when I (and the show) needed it, and he’s so effective at discerning between large-scale issues and lower-stakes line notes. He has such a capable eye when it comes to not only spotting the shows soft spots but also framing them in context of the larger material and my identity as a performer.
And when it comes to emotional fortitude, I have relied on him time after time (and will again I’m sure!). He’s gentle without ever veering into mealy mouthed. His guidance immediately imbues confidence.”
Chloe Radcliffe, “Cheat” (Edinburgh Fringe 2023 and American tour)