He's been on the circuit for about 25 years, and today he juggles his solo work with owning Hampstead Comedy Club with MCing for Laughing Horse. Ivor Dembina looks back at his first ever gig in 1982.

On my wall is a pair of 1980s posters from one of the first ever truly alternative comedy gigs in the world, the Earth Exchange in Archway.

Located in a vegetarian café in the basement of a large old house, the Earth Exchange felt more like a folk club than a comedy venue, but, as the posters attest, there was plenty of talent on show. From the roll-call of performers you can pick out the names and faces of Ben Elton, Rik Mayall, Paul Merton, Jo Brand, Harry Enfield, Rory Bremner and Jo Brand. And me!

I did my first ever gig at there in about 1982 and, on that night I made a surprising discovery: it's not nearly as difficult as most people think. I had written about ten jokes and the audience laughed at most of them.

I got a polite round of applause at the end and accepted my fee of brown rice and balsamic salad. To the others diners I was a nice enough young man, who had entertained in a passable manner and should now be left to enjoy his food. But to me I was king of the world.