Firstly, could you introduce yourself, and give a quick summary of your show?
I am Stuart Mitchell. Nice to meet you. My show is called 'Dealt a Bad Hand'. From tragic accidents and medical complications to losing both parents, my debut is a hilarious take on dealing with life's misfortunes and coming out the other end unscathed.
What is your earliest arts memory?
Probably when i ate a crayon. My first gig was in Edinburgh so its nice to be returning to where it all started.
What first encouraged you to become a performer?
I just wanted to give stand-up comedy a go as a one off. I was hooked. Not hooked by a person in the face. Just hooked as in i wanted to keep it up.
Do you remember your first professional performance, and how did it go?
It almost went too well. Plus i was reviewed after my first every gig. What started as something i wanted to do once turned into a career i now take very seriously.
What do you feel is the best thing about your job?
Holding peoples attention (hopefully) for a considerable amount of time. No phones, no distractions. Making people forget their troubles and having a laugh is such a great thing for a comedian.
Conversely, what is the worst?
It can be lonely on the road and you spend most your time travelling. I once performed to over 1,800 people in a massive theatre than sat in my car alone driving home. It is such a surreal feeling.
How do you decide whether or not a show has gone well?
It always helps if the audience laugh. I can normally tell within the first 10 seconds how a performance is going to go. If you leave the stage to applause its job done.
If you could work with anybody, dead or alive, who would you choose to collaborate with?
Bob Monkhouse. I was love to sit with him and discuss joke structures and the technical aspects of writing jokes.
What made you want to come to Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
The benefits of staying in Glasgow and my sister staying in Edinburgh is i save on accomodation! As a performer you want to showcase your act to audiences and industry and where better than the largest arts festival in the world.
Is performing at EdFringe different from 'traditional' shows?
Very much so. You can relax more during an hour performance. Normally comics do club sets ranging from 20-30mins. You can put on more of a 'show' in Edinburgh and tell your story.
If you could travel back in time and give 16 year-old you one piece of advice, what would it be?
Place a bet on the UK leaving the EU in 2016! I would tell myself not to be forced into going to University to make others happy. Do what you want to do and what makes you happy.
What advice would you give to young people who want to enter the industry?
Treat it like a career and not a hobby. Always look to progress and you will only get out what you put in.
Do you have social media that our readers can follow you on?
Sure. You can follow me @stuartmitchell2
Where can people catch your show during EdFringe?
Stuart Mitchell : Dealt a Bad Hand, 3-28th August (not 15th) at 7.15pm. The Pleasance Courtyard.
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