Highland comedy quintet out to prove north can rival the ultra-competitive Scottish central belt and London stand-up scenes for laughs with special Inverness Townhouse show
Trying to make the breakthrough on the national comedy circuit is no laughing matter.
If you hail from the Highlands, it can seem as if stand-up talent is treated like … well, a bit of a joke.
Five acclaimed local comedians are setting out to shatter that perception by showing that the north of Scotland has plenty to rival the ultra-competitive central belt and London scenes.
The show, to be staged at Inverness Townhouse on April 19, will feature some faces already familiar to local audiences - veteran funnymen Rab Mulheron & Joe Sweeney (aka Rude & Good), and rising stars Stephen Clark, Matt Black and Tom Cairns.
“Our goal is to elevate Highland comedy and showcase the incredible acts we have,” Matt explained. “We want to let audiences know they don’t need to travel south for top-tier stand-up.
“It’s right here, and it’s thriving.”
Billed unofficially as ‘Highland Comedy Takes on the Big Names’, the quick-witted quintet will follow in the footsteps of the likes of superstar comics Sanjeev Kohli and Karen Dunbar by performing in the civic setting.
“We feel we have something special happening in the Highlands, and we believe it deserves a place alongside the big names in the national comedy scene,” Joe explained.
“We’re looking to prove that top-tier stand-up isn’t just reserved for the central belt or London circuit.
“We know how hard it is for performers outside major cities to get national recognition - provincial places like ours rarely get the spotlight - but that doesn’t mean the talent isn’t here.
“We’re the Davids taking on the Goliaths of the comedy world, and this show is our way of proving we can stand toe-to-toe with the best.”
The show is the brainchild of Rab Mulheron, now a well-established name on the Scottish comedy circuit.
Before making his mark in stand-up, Rab was a Highland League footballer and manager.
Having once taken charge of “Britain’s worst senior team” Fort William, Rab has always been up for a laugh - and he’s now channelling that passion and dedication into his stand-up show.
Rude &Good are sure to turn the townhouse blue, given their fearless brand of “sharp, bold and unapologetic” comedy.
Their performances have graced venues from Hot Water Comedy Club to the Edinburgh Fringe, Glasgow International Comedy Festival, and Aberdeen Fringe.
They will be joined by Tom Cairns, Inverness’s comedian of the year, who is known for his musical wit, Star Wars references and country-boy charm.
Matt Back is rated as one of Scotland's most exciting comedy prospects, having recently won Aberdeen's fringe comedian of the year and performed at some of Scotland's top comedy venues including The Stand in Glasgow, and Breakneck and the Tivoli Theatre in Aberdeen.
Stephen Clark is also ranked as one of the brightest emerging stars of the Inverness comedy scene.
“Comedy fans up here deserve to see their local talent featured on national platforms, and this is a chance to show that Scotland’s best comedians don’t just come from Glasgow or Edinburgh,” Joe added
Those wishing to attend the big event can purchase tickets for £12.50 + booking fee, available on Skiddle.
