Lonely Hearts Rub (Hong Kong)

Lonely Hearts Rub (Hong Kong) All of the comedians were hiding in the darkness near the back nervously pacing, arms crossed, and waiting. Jami was on stage reading off the sponsors, thanking the judges, and then taking time to thank the comedians again. We, the comedians, shifted uncomfortably and then Jami paused a long time and thanked the sponsors again – we let out a collected groan. Finally he unfolded a sheet of paper and read over it – selfishly eying the results before us – to taunt the audience and the comedians that he already knew who was going to win. Then he looked around and began, “So the third place winner tonight for the Hong Kong International Comedy Festival is…” And the air in the room seemed to disappear. “Ashley Strand!” And the room exploded in applause. And we saw Ashley who was fighting jet lag – race up to the stage with a big grin. Jami gave him a fist bump. And when the noise died down, Jami went back to the list and looked over the rim of his glasses. “And the second place winner tonight for the Hong Kong International Comedy Festival Preliminary Round One is…” There was silence. “Mahesh!” And the room went crazy. Everyone applauded and cheered. Mahesh hurried to the stage to do his fist bump. Ashley and Mahesh gave each other a hard pat on the back. And then the crowd stopped waiting for the climax. Jami looked around at everyone and even gave a look to the back of the comedy club. “And the first round winner of the Hong Kong International Comedy festival and who will be opening for Kerri Louise next week is…” I folded my own arms but knew the name before he said it. “Stuart Schofield!”