Mirth Control are uniquely placed to source the hottest previously undiscovered comedy talent for TV and radio via our network of 80 plus comedy clubs nationwide. All this talent is out there waiting to break through and we are your way of finding it. Due to the way Mirth Control is structured we probably have the best record of any independent club bookers in terms of developing and breaking new talent. This is because of both the volume and the wide diversity in style of our venues, allowing us to mix new and experienced acts to blend the best possible line-ups for stand-up comedy shows. We fill a very fertile middle ground with The Comedy Store at one end of the spectrum and 'try out' nights in pubs at the other.
In terms of tracking new talent early Mirth Control's founder, Geoff Whiting has an excellent record to date. He gave Stuart Silver (latterly of Perrier Award winning double act Noble and Silver) his first and only solo stand-up spot, and booked Jimmy Carr (Perrier Award nominee 2002) for his first ever paid gig at our club in Plymouth. Other acts who have taken their first steps in Mirth Control venues include Stephen Merchant, Mackenzie Crook, Jason Manford, Alan Carr, Justin Lee Collins and Matthew Horne (pictured, from the Katherine Tate Show and Gavin and Stacey). Geoff has been performing stand-up for 12 years - performing around the UK comedy circuit 300 nights per year, notching up his 4,000th stand-up gig recently.
This constant gigging gives him an up to the minute knowledge at grass roots level of who is out there and importantly who is creating a big audience reaction with their innovative work. In short, we have our ear to the ground at all times. If someone is creating a buzz on the comedy circuit, you can be sure we already know about it and have contacts with that artist. Just think - if we knew about those guys before they broke, we have a pretty good idea who will be big in a few years time. There is a lot of untapped talent out there...