Retired lawyer leaves court for comedy stage | News

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Nancy Sharp worked as a defense lawyer for 30 years – the final 10 as a public defender. Now that she's retired, Nancy enjoys spending time with her family in Wilmington.

But it's what she does with the rest of her time that has so many people busting a gut.

For the past couple months, Sharp has entertained the crowd at Nutt Street Comedy's Open Mic Night. In a room full of people half her age, Sharp shares stories of all the clowns she's seen shuffle in front of a judge.

She's new to the stage, but Sharp says comedy has always been a part of her defense.

"All attorneys are really hams at heart," said Sharp. "We'd do anything for an audience."

Humor can solve issues in unusual ways, according to Nancy. She claims that cracking up the jury saved her from losing a case or two. When she's on stage, Sharp's the one on trial. But she doesn't see it that way.

"Nothing bad is going to happen if you mess up," joked Sharp. "No one is going to jail."

With a new hobby, Sharp's guilty of enjoying her retirement.

Sharp and the rest of Wilmington's amateur comics can be seen on the Nutt Street stage on Thursday nights. Admission is free.

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