Sitting near a performer puts you in the firing line – but it also makes you an invaluable part of any comedy show

John Oliver looked into my eyes and cocked his head. We held each other’s gaze. On the “stage” of an upstairs room in a grimy little pub, his partner – it may have been Andy Zaltzman but this was 15 years ago – finished his opening patter. Oliver didn’t notice it was his turn to speak. “Would you like to continue?” asked maybe-Zaltzman.

There was a pause.