1986 - 1990 After a trip to the Edinburgh Festival Frank experienced his “road to Damascus moment” and was inspired to begin his career as a stand-up.  His first gig in December 1987 was “at the Birmingham Anglers Association...I died on my arse.” Forced by the lack of comedy venues in Birmingham, Frank spent weekends performing unpaid spots on London’s cabaret circuit, sleeping in the back of his 1967 Vauxhall Viva, whilst still holding down a number of day jobs. A four-year slog through the comedy circuit was financed by running comedy workshops and part-time (and unqualified) teaching at Halesowen College in the West Midlands. At £15 per hour for each class he spent most of his time trying to think up new courses and was genuinely upset when he failed to get any takers for his class “Contemporary Soap Operas; a discussion group.” Frank formed his own club in Birmingham where he compered weekly, building up a loyal, local following. This culminated in sell-out shows at the 2000 seater Birmingham Town Hall.  All of this was prior to his TV career. Another performer ‘a dog act’ - was already registered at Equity under Frank’s real name (Chris Collins), so after a brief flirtation with the name ‘Wes Bromwich’, he borrowed ‘Frank Skinner’ from a man in his dad’s pub dominoes team. In 1987 Frank spent £400 of his £435 savings on booking a venue at The Pleasance Theatre for the 1988 Edinburgh Festival.