New Act of the Month: Stuart Mitchell
We named him as 'one to watch' on his first gig. 18 months later, and <strong>Stuart Mitchell</strong> looks like he won't be classed as a new act for long. We thought it was time to get to know him a little better.
Age: 27.
Based in: East Kilbride.
First gig: February 2009, Laughing Horse New Act of the Year [given special mention by the judges].
Number of gigs: Over 150.
Best gig? To 900 people at the 02 academy at a benefit for Spirit Aid in August. I was the only new act on the bill – it was a great experience.
How did you get into comedy? I saw a course advertised at Metropolitan College, run by Charlie Ross. It sounded fun, and I did well at the showcase. Then I decided about three months ago that this is what I really want. I went part time to focus on gigging all over the country, down in England as well as Scotland. I'm up every day at 6am to focus on writing.
How would you describe your comedy? It's almost going down the old school route – very laugh-per-minute stuff, mixing one liners with observational humour. It gets dark at points, but I make sure I've got the audience on my side. I've been changing my persona recently – becoming less deadpan and breaking down the fourth wall, being more real.
Who are your heroes on the Scottish comedy scene? Stu Who? is a prodigy of Scottish comedy and one of the most supportive people to new acts. He's sort of an idol and I've love to gig with him.
See Stuart at gigs around Scotland this month, including Paisley Arts Centre on the 7 Oct and SNAFU, Aberdeen, on 19 Oct