New Comic of the Month: James Kirk

Age: 23

Based in: Paisley

First gig: 6 November 2009, QMU Union, Glasgow 

Number of gigs: 107 

Most memorable gig: I remember a gig in a venue called Caprice in Ayr. It was January 2010, so it must've been about my eighth gig. It was the first time that I had really enjoyed doing stand up, and felt comfortable with my material.

How did you get into comedy? I was bored! I was unemployed at the time, and I had done bit and bobs of sketches, and I thought I'd give it a go.

How would you describe your comedy? A really bad best man speech – a deliberately very nervous, awkward performance. It's almost like each gig is my first gig. I get so nervous before I go on stage anyway, so it helps; I don't hide it. I think that's the worst thing in comedy; when people get nervous and try to hide it by being overconfident.

Who are your heroes on the Scottish Comedy scene? Parrot is someone I have great admiration for. He's got so many stories; he's been everywhere and done everything, and he's still a great act, too. I've got a lot of time for him. Vladimir McTavish is a great act, and always looks after the new acts coming through. Gary Little, Mark Nelson and Raymond Mearns are masters of their craft.