You kick-started your career in comedy almost by chance. How did you manage to find humour when you ‘hit rock-bottom’?

Perhaps, hitting rock bottom makes you look for the ‘funny’ in life. Certainly, watching comedy made me feel better so I took it to the next stage by performing myself.

How do you describe your sense of humour?

It can vary; I love storytelling comedians but I do also enjoy wordplay and puns. I find the absurdities in life funny in general much of the time.

Where do you find your inspiration/material?

Everyday life most certainly. Getting frustrated in queues, dealing with self-service tills in shops, the way some people drive… and so on.

Can a joke ever be considered ‘too much’?

Yes. Some comics use extreme swear words for shock value only, and often these punctuate a weak gag.

You also own the Mirth Control booking agency – how did that come about?

It came about by mistake. Well, it was not my intention at the outset to become a booker of comedians/clubs or an agent.

I spotted an advert on The Stage newspaper that was placed by a new club owner in Plymouth who was looking for a comedian. I replied and got the spot, and it turned out to be his opening night.

Seeing as I did well, he asked me to come back the following night and to “bring another comedian” with me.  

What are the current ‘trends’ on the international comedy circuit?

People are talking about current issues, so Brexit, Donald Trump, MeToo, social media, vaping...

Geoff Whiting hosts the upcoming Eden Comedy Night on November 2.