New Act of the Month: Matthew Winning

Age: 25 

Based in: Glasgow (originally from Paisley)

First gig: March 2009

Number of gigs: Over 200

How did you get into comedy? I've always had an interest in writing comedy, when I was younger I used to do a lot of stuff with my friends just for fun – making videos, that sort of thing. I thought stand up would be a good way to get into writing comedy by myself. So I signed up for Vic Gee's course [at the University of Strathclyde] in 2009. Then in 2010 I was in the final of the Chortle Student Comedy Awards.

Comedy courses are great for giving you confidence to get up on stage, and I did learn a lot, but I learned more from gigging. The pitfalls of these courses is that people can think that once they've done it, that's them a comedian. I've always learned you need to do at least 50 gigs before even thinking about whether you're funny.

How would you describe your comedy? I really just do stuff that would make me laugh or that I'd like to see on stage. For me it's really important to write for myself and not worry about what others think. That way, you deliver jokes more honestly, which audiences can sense. I don't believe in doing jokes for jokes' sake; they need to be original and interesting, and give an insight into your persona.

Who are your heroes on the Scottish comedy scene?  Something I find very annoying is that there are some absolutely fantastic acts in Scotland who don't get nationwide recognition; people like Paul Sneddon [the man behind Vladimir McTavish and Bob Doollally] and Mark Nelson. Mark was very supportive when I first started, and just watching him really inspires me. It's not that we necessarily do the same type of comedy, but he's just such a good writer, and so good at what he is doing.