It is the new year which only means one thing, it is time to celebrate acts that you should be keeping an eye on this year! Today we speak to Edinburgh Comedy Award 2023 nominee Ian Smith. After a busy year, 2024 is about to get a whole lot more crazy.

Hello tell us all about yourself?

Hello. My name is Ian Smith – I’m a stand-up comedian and at the time of writing I’ve just got back from Sicily and I’m about to move flat, so I have this idea in my head that I will start making my own pasta when I move, but I imagine that won’t happen at all.

How was 2023 for you?

2023 was very nice – at the Edinburgh Fringe I was nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show, which has always been a dream of mine. I appeared on The News Quiz on Radio 4 regularly and also made my debut appearance on Just A Minute. Lovely stuff. I had my own Radio 4 stand-up series commissioned too which I’m looking forward to making.

What was the top 3 highlights for you?

I’ll try and steer away from just talking about my career – so outside of that: I got some nice sunglasses for my birthday, I learnt how to play the saxophone to a grade 8 level and I won an arm wrestling competition in Plymouth.

What was the key lesson you learnt from last year?

It’s very easy to cheat at arm wrestling without the referees noticing.

What are your plans for 2024?

I’m touring my Edinburgh Fringe show, Ian Smith: Crushing, around the UK – it’s my debut tour and I’m very excited about that. I’ll also be recording my Radio 4 series and that should be released later on in the year. I’ll start slowly writing a new show as well and working on some scripted projects.

What other shows are you looking forward to watching this year?

Amy Gledhill will have a new stand-up show this year and her first show was brilliant – Russell Hicks is working on a stand-up show that will be great too. Armando Iannucci is adapting Dr Strangelove for the stage and I can’t wait to see that too.

What styles do you hope to see more of in comedy this year?

I’m hoping traditional mime will make a comeback.

What comedian is your ones to watch in 2024 and why?

Peter Kay.

Do you have any new years resolutions? If so what are they?

I’ve found it’s best not to have New Years resolutions because they will eventually stop and it’s always good to try and avoid crushing disappointment where possible. I think the longest I did one for was 4 months, which is good, and I still got annoyed with myself. I’d say if you want to do something enough you’ll probably do it anyway – or, set yourself an embarrassingly easy resolution like ‘wear a hat at least once this year’.

Are you on social media? If so how can people find out more about your troupe?

Yeah – you can find me on the following social media sites (which I actually think are really healthy for us and I hope 2024 sees more of them)…

Twitter/X: twitter.com/iansmithcomedy
Instagram: instagram.com/iansmithcomedy
Facebook: facebook.com/iansmithcomedy

Three words why people should come and see you this year?

Shouting. Northerner. Please.

QUICK FIRE ROUND

The movie or television show you are looking forward to seeing this year?

I think a new True Detective might be coming out – and if so, I will say that.

Your favourite book?

Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut

If you could paint anything what would you paint? 

Myself, shaking hands with a bear on top of a blue whale.

What is the most delightful word you can think of?

Delightful

Favourite album?

Didn’t It Rain by Songs: Ohia

Where would you love to go on holiday this year?

Iceland. Shop, and then country.

What is your favourite quote from a television show?

“Welcome to the News at Ten…”

Who is your favourite film character and why?

Party Guest #1 from Mission: Impossible 3