I’m in the Brangwyn Hall on November 18 with Ignacio Lopez and an up-and-coming comedian you’ll probably hear about soon called ‘Russell Kane’.

Nearly five years ago I saw Ignacio at one of his first ever gigs in the Uplands with none other than Russell Kane. It’s great to see Ignacio grow as an act, getting funnier and playing bigger shows.

Over a coffee-fuelled catch up, I reminded Ignacio of that show five years ago. He laughed, “I was only on the show because I’d offered to sell tickets! The promoter begrudgingly gave me five minutes before Russell and I had a great time, half my family was there.”

I asked what his family had thought. “They loved it, they were crying with laughter. A lot of Russell’s jokes come from growing up with really relate-able characters, that inspired me starting out. Russell’s a genuinely nice guy and his comedy comes from a good place. Like you Phil!”

Aww, flattery gets you a mention in my column!

Good influences in stand-up are important, many try to shock or cause offense to get publicity but you just have to remember why you do comedy. Laughter is a positive thing!