This time last year, I went to do a tour show in Copenhagen and stayed with one of my oldest friends and his partner. After the show, we found a bar that stayed open late and allowed smoking inside. The centrepiece of its one room was a Danish billiards table. My friends taught me the rules and we began to play.

It was just us and a few regulars who eventually came over to introduce themselves. ‘We’re about to get booted off the table,’ I thought, but no. They asked us to take part in a group tournament where the loser of each round would have to buy everyone in the bar a drink. I played first and, much to everyone’s surprise, didn’t lose; we all got a drink. I played again, didn’t lose; we all got a drink.

The hours got smaller and the room got smokier. My friend kept coaxing me out of my seat to represent our group, like when Moe became Homer’s boxing coach. I couldn’t speak or barely stand, but damn could I play Danish billiards. Just as I considered quitting comedy, I lost a round. Jimmy White never won a world title, did he? But history will remember the flair. 

It was a one-of-a-kind evening; a storybook night out that makes you feel like a true bon viveur. Despite being from different places, we’d all come together for one ecstatic evening in the spirit of generosity, friendship and wagering for real money. That night remains pride of place in my memory collection.

Ed Night: The Plunge, Monkey Barrel, Edinburgh, Friday 9 May; The Stand, Glasgow, Saturday 10 May.