• There is a PhD to be written about the number of doctors who have also become successful comedians. From Jonathan Miller to Harry Hill, Adam Kay and Simon Brodkin, there is some kind of umbilical cord linking medicince to entertaining people onstage. Maybe it's the chance to hone your skills in hospital revues. Maybe there is some link between a bedside manner and stage presence. Maybe it's just that being a doctor is so demanding you have to evolve a sense of humour to get through it.

I thought Darren Harriott had something special when I saw him at the Piccadilly Comedy Club New Comedian of the Year final in 2016. He came second that night and since then his career has gone from strength to strength. In 2017 he picked up a Best Newcomer nomination in Edinburgh and his recent appearance on Live at the Apollo caused a stir.

It is no surprise that Lauren Pattison's name has popped up in Comedy Tips For 2018 articles. The Geordie stand-up has been making waves on the circuit for a couple of years now and came good last summer with her Fringe debut Lady Muck, which earnt here a lastminute.com Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nomination. The show, now coming to Soho Theatre, told the story of her relocation to London and subsequent relationship break-up and misery.