Comedian Iain Lee has defended his decision to charge £350 for performing his stand-up show, "Imposter Syndrome," in fans' homes, stating the need to cover his mortgage and support his children. The 52-year-old performer, who returned to stand-up after retraining as a counselor, acknowledged that the fee is substantial for him. He has reportedly already completed five such gigs, with 20 more booked, potentially earning him close to £9,000.
Lee shared an unusual experience during one of his home performances, where a couple began kissing and subsequently invited him to "stay for some fun." He stated he declined the offer. "It's a bit weird," Lee commented on the nature of these intimate performances, "but it's also, in a great tradition of storytelling, very intimate. I'm connecting after years of not wanting to perform."
When Lee first announced his plan to perform in living rooms, some followers expressed concern for his safety, with one questioning if he had security. Others reacted positively, calling the concept "amazing" and Lee a "legend."
Lee, who gained fame on Channel 4's "The 11 O'Clock Show" alongside Ricky Gervais and Mackenzie Crook, and later finished third on "I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!" in 2017, is reflecting on his nearly 30-year career in showbusiness with "Imposter Syndrome." He previously revealed that the stress of his time on "I'm A Celebrity" contributed to the return of his drug addiction, despite having been clean for 13 years prior to entering the show. He attributed his relapse to the pressure of the high-profile competition and difficult campmates.
Lee had announced his intention to perform a 60-minute version of his show in private residences, specifying "in your living room, in your dining room, but not in your bedroom." He noted that potential audiences could host friends or experience the show alone. The fee of £350 includes the performance, with an additional £25 for petrol if the location is more than 50 miles from his home in Aylesbury. He mentioned that several bookings have already been made, indicating the concept is proving popular.