GETTING INNOVATIVE IN ISOLATION: MEET COMEDIAN SCOTT BENNETT.

Isolation can be a very lonely, scary time for most of us. At times you can find yourself feeling hopeless as your days are without purpose.

But it’s fair to say that communities across the country have come together to support one another during these uncertain times and there are those going above and beyond to use this time productively.

Like many of us who are self-employed, Yorkshire comedian Scott Bennett, 40, found himself with no income for the foreseeable future. “As soon as Boris made the lockdown announcement, our world pretty much fell apart in 25 minutes.” Says Scott.

The comedian is using his time in isolation to spread joy to households across the UK.

With all scheduled gigs cancelled, the father of two was hit with a double whammy, having both his passion and his job taken away from him. But instead of losing hope, he turned to Facebook and online streaming to salvage his career and bring joy to others.

Live from his shed in Beeston, Scott started a weekly stand-up show, “I didn’t really give it a second thought, I just wanted to continue doing what I love and not let the isolation consume me.” Says Scott. “My wife brought me the shed years ago for me to practice my routines without disturbing her and the kids, so I’ve been self-isolating long before it was trendy.”

“I hope there is a greater appreciation of the creative arts and performers.”

At the minute it seems that uncertainty is the only constant, with many of us finding ourselves lost. But the comedian has tackled this problem head on, “The fact that it’s a weekly show allows me to work towards something each week.”

“With the trade being tipped upside down, I have no idea what the comedy industry is going to look like when we return. I hope there is a greater appreciation of the creative arts and performers when we come out the other side.” He adds.

“Put your work out there, write that script or film that sketch.”

The first episode reached 25,000 people and some of those viewers donated to Scott’s Paypal account. “It has definitely allowed me to discover a new audience and connect with more people, which is a positive outcome I will continue to cherish.”

His advice to other people in the same situation as himself is to concentrate on your craft and keep busy. “Any projects that you have talked yourself out of, now is the time to do it. Put your work out there, write that script or film that sketch. It’s amazing how industrious people can be when they have to. We’ve found ourselves with no purpose so use this time to find your focus.”

Catch Scott’s show ‘Stand up from the shed’, every Thursday from 8:15pm