Stuart Mitchell 'It's Just a Phrase I'm Going Through'

The spotlight grips the microphone stand and the audience, tightly packed in the Griffin, is expectant as the compère Scott Gibson takes to the stage. He works the room well, a natural as he targets the front two rows, and it seems we're in for a good night. The first act, Murdo McIlhagger, delivers some fine lines during his ten minute opener, perhaps just needing more stage time to hone his act, and he makes way for the main draw.

Stuart Mitchell shouldn't be playing to such a small crowd, but it's a pleasure to catch him before he makes it big. His set is slick, and he wastes no time in getting to the many memorable punchlines. He squeezes in innumerable jokes and even the laboured ones are so well delivered they get the right reaction. A very funny man, he handles the few heckles superbly, and is at once disarming and charming.

As a lovely aside, it's entertaining to hear him credit a couple of the best lines of the night to his twelve-year old stepbrother. Wherever the inspiration comes from, this is some partnership which certainly works.