With over a thousand shows at the Edinburgh Fringe last year I suppose it was inevitable that some brilliant performers might fly under the radar. Sean McLoughlin didn't get seen by many critics, but those that did see him raved about him. With good reason. McLoughlin is a natural, classic stand-up. He is assured but never too rigid. Confident but not arrogant, happy to discuss his failings – naff jobs, relationship gaffes – onstage, alongside deeper thoughts about religion. In the past he has been mistaken for online superstar Sean McLoughlin, aka Jacksepticeye, but hopefully that won't happen much more. Ricky Gervais is a fan and McLoughlin appears in his forthcoming Netflix series After Life. He plays a stand-up - it's a role that fits him like a glove.

 

Sean McLoughlin: Hail Mary tour details here.

 

Read BTJ's review of Hail Mary at the Edinburgh Fringe 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 empty my pockets and set up the timer on my watch. Other than that, away we go!

 

 

2. What irritates you?

 

Restaurants that claim to sell ‘street food’ even though they are restaurants so how can it be street food?

 

3. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?

 

The closest I’ve come to death was during my own birth so I suppose the answer is ‘life’.

 

 

4. What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?

 

I fell hopelessly in love with someone who is not from the U.K. which was pretty fucking stupid in the current climate. This is also the best thing I’ve ever done.

 

 

5. What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?

 

The sheer scale of the comedy world. I’ve been to an awful lot of places and met an awful lot of people doing this.

 

Interview continues here.