The Chieftain Comedy Club, which meets on the first Thursday of every month at the Chieftain Hotel in Inverness, has since its inception in early 2022 become established as the home of Highland Comedy.
Over the past 18 months, the club, which helps both established and new comedians with writing and performing has seen its members perform across the UK and Europe and has also led to the formation of a number of professional acts that are taking the Scottish comedy scene by storm.
Gary Campbell, who chairs the organisation, said:
“The club followed on from previous groups that had given myself and others a start in comedy but folded during the pandemic.
“We were keen to build on that legacy and the results to date have significantly exceeded our expectations.”
Those who have benefited from the club scene in Inverness include Rab Mulheron, who has headlined at venues across the UK and has now teamed up with Joe Sweeney to take their ‘Rude and Good’ comedy show on the road.
He was also the inspiration behind The Comedy Show, which blends comedy with music through a partnership with local man James Fraser and as a solo performer, has recently sold out a full run in Aberdeen.
“As ‘Rude & Good’, our comedy has performed at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival” said Joe Sweeney, the club’s Creative Convenor “and we recently appeared at the inaugural Aberdeen Fringe where we were described as the ‘top up and coming’ comedians in Scotland.
“Rab has also just returned from a second year at the Edinburgh Fringe and we’re continuing our touring in Ireland next month, before heading out to Spain in October”.
The club has also had support from established local perfomers such as Keiran Lochore, Mike Henry and Hazel Uquhart both in terms of performing and encouraging new acts.
Newcomers to the scene such as Iain Duncan, Tom ‘The Cotswold Count’ Cairns and Charlye McMillan have also used the club as a springboard to performing elsewhere, with Dingwall based Iain now performing regularly across the country.
Club regular, Invergordon’s Matt Black, recently appeared at The Stand in Glasgow on the same bill as Kevin Bridges.
Liz Lawson, proprietor of the Chieftain Hotel said:
“I’m delighted to continue to help support the club and give them a regular venue.
“We’ve seen a lot of new faces over the past few months and a club like this can only help others who want to see if a career in comedy is for them.”
The club can be contacted via the Chieftain Comedy Club Facebook page and the next monthly meeting is on 7 September, with free entry for anyone who wants to head along and hear the best of Highland Comedy.
