“You’re a dick, but you’re a funny dick,” Christian Elderfield’s teacher said to him when he was in year 11. 

Christian, the 446th person I’ve met on my quest to have lunch with 500 strangers, took his teacher’s words to heart and started entering comedy competitions. Christian turned out to be good at writing and delivering jokes. He also had a motivation to improve – as a socially awkward teenager, Christian aspired to be a popular comedian who commanded attention and respect.

Christian started working as a part-time comedian when he was 23; now, aged 37, he’s a full-time comedian who earns a very good living from performing at festivals, at functions, at corporate events and on cruises.

One reason for Christian’s success is that, unlike many of his peers, he’s embraced the business side of stand-up comedy, and has worked hard to improve his marketing and sales skills. More importantly, though, Christian has benefitted from years of practising the art of comedy. When you do the reps, you get the results.

Christian has an award-winning show, Swingers, which describes his experience of being in an open relationship and attending sex parties with a former partner. 

I’m very keen to see Swingers, because I can confirm that Christian is extremely funny: he’s very quick-witted and made me laugh out loud many times during our lunch. 

Christian is also a great guy with an open mind, a warm heart and a commitment to self-improvement. I’m glad we’re now friends.