In 2015 I had one of those "why-haven't-I-heard-of-you-before?" moments when I saw Scott Bennett do a brilliantly crowdpleasing short set at the Edinburgh Fringe. The reason I hadn't heard of him was that he was based in the north of England – I'm a soft southerner – and he had only recently taken up stand-up comedy. He is clearly a natural though. There were flashes of Peter Kay, John Bishop and Jason Manford in his easily relatable routines about family life. He is back in Edinburgh this summer with Leap Year, discussing his decision to take the leap and become a full-time comic. Definitely a name to watch – and definitely a comedian to laugh at.
Scott Bennett: Leap Year is at Just The Tonic Mash House from August 2 - 26. Tickets here.
1. What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies and/or check your knickers aren't sticking out of your skirt and check for spinach between your teeth)?
I have a double espresso Macchiato from Starbucks, with the name, “you are the future of British Stand-up” written on the side, thirty-five minutes in a toilet, a panic about my life choices, phone calls to my mother where she tells me it’s not too late to get a proper job again, a banana and then the first two bars of Van Halen’s Jump.
2. What irritates you?
Latex, pollen, not being able to retrieve a wet wipe from the packet one at a time, and Clingfilm. In terms of larger issues, I would say it’s people who are mood hoovers.
3. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
Quit my career to be a comedian.
4. What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
Chipped my tooth on an olive stone. For a working class lad it’s the most middle class injury I’ve ever had. It’s almost as bad as a paper cut from the Guardian, although I do read it, even with the plasters on my fingers. Also, on my Honeymoon after swimming with dolphins, I put my wedding ring back on the wrong finger and it had to be cut off at the hospital!
5. What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
How hard you have to maintain your ability and reputation.
Interview continues here.
