Oh, I can't sleep, whatever - it's a huge problem. The comedian's thing is you self-medicate with alcohol and knock yourself out - but obviously, that's not a long-term strategy.

I think what I do is borderline art. Most people who do borderline art have to have other jobs, so I'm very grateful.

When I started on the London circuit in 1989, nationwide there were about 150 to 200 people that were what you could call alternative comedians - that weren't club comics. Now, last year when the Laughing Horse chain of clubs held a new acts competition, a thousand people entered. So, there are 800 people more.

If a gig goes badly, my main worry is, 'Will these people come back?' Because that will affect my ability to pay the mortgage - but nowadays, I don't really mind what happens, as I think if it all goes wrong for real, you still have to go with it.

Having drive is a big part of success, along with integrity. You need to have a clear vision of what you want and take the steps to achieve it, even if that sometimes means playing gigs in tiny clubs.

I've always been weird, and into weird stuff that has a hard time finding mainstream success.

You hire well and just make sure you have enough runway for everyone to grow in the company's success. It creates loyalty and opportunity, really.

For me, the path of failure exceeded by far the joys of success. My plight was hopeless.