Jimmy McGhie is bringing his 'Northern Meeting' to Berwick on Saturday, January 30, as part of a comedy double header alongside Fergus Craig and his show 'Fergus Craig Still Watches Neighbours'.

Embarrassing yourself at a posh do in front of potential in-laws would be something most people would want to keep quiet but not Jimmy, who is sharing his social faux pas with the whole of the UK!

A few years ago he went to a disastrous party in the Highlands. It wrecked both his relationship and his confidence - but ended up doing wonders for his comedy career.

Recalling that fateful night up north, Jimmy said: "I was like a fish out of water, it was a very posh affair full of lots of well-to-do people. I've never moved in those kind of circles but I went up there with a girl I was seeing at the time and tried to make a good impression.

"Unfortunately, I wasn't acquainted with the various Scottish dances and rituals but as not taking part would seem a bit rude I decided to have a go anyway.

"I hate dancing at the best of times and can just about get up in a nightclub after a few drinks so reeling really wasn't my thing! I was in a line of 30 people and was the one who looked a right idiot- I didn't know any steps!"

However, turning a cringeworthy negative into a hilarious positive, Jimmy turned the party disaster into comedy gold and now it's the turn of The Maltings audience to hear all about it.

A drama degree at university may not be the obvious choice for a stand up comic, but it was the notoriously harsh audiences of comedy clubs rather than the bright lights of the theatre that ultimately appealed to Jimmy.

And his progress so far has been rapid. After only 10 gigs, he reached the final of the 'So You Think You're Funny' competition at the Edinburgh Festival and then after a few more years of honing his talent, reached the semi-finals of the BBC 'New Talent' competition.

Comedians are tasked with making people chuckle, but Jimmy said that the life of an aspiring funnyman isn't always a barrel of laughs.

"Trying to get your break in the comedy can be quite a frustrating time," he continued.

"Looking back, I think I may have entered 'So You Think You're Funny' a bit too early. It got my foot in the door but I had no idea how it all worked.

"I actually gave up for three years after that and then my friend suggested that I send a tape into the BBC to enter for the 'New Talent' competition.

"Having not done a gig for a few years I had to really work hard and although some people probably won't believe this, being a comedian puts a huge strain on your social life. I had to make a decision on how far I wanted my career to go and then make some sacrifices.

"I've been lucky as some people never manage to break through. The reality is that when you're starting out you're going to be driving from far flung places at two in the morning having just played for four people and made enough money to pay for your petrol."

British comedy is going through something of a purple patch at the minute and Jimmy said that it's an exciting time for all involved.

"I heard someone say that the comedy circuit in the UK was the most thriving in the world at the moment and I'd have to agree.

"Shows like 'Mock The Week' and 'Live At The Apollo' have become a great platform for comedians.

"And I think the fact that more people are watching stand up has really fuelled interest in it."

However, although he recognises the power of prime time television, Jimmy said when it comes to enjoying comedy, you really need to be sitting in the audience rather than in the comfort of your own arm chair.

He continued: "Comedy is a lot more enjoyable if you're in the theatre watching it live. You get a feel for the atmosphere and can get more involved.

"That's why it's great that people in smaller towns and more rural areas are now getting to experience comedy first hand. People who go and see comedians on a regular basis may have pre-conceived ideas on what a show is going to be like whereas those who don't get the chance very often go along with an open mind and just want to enjoy themselves.

"It works both ways though; comedians are also guilty of pre-judging audiences. There's been a few gigs when I've looked through the curtain before going on and not been too impressed but then ended up having the best show ever."

And while he is busy entertaining audiences with tales of his Scottish party disaster Jimmy is working on a new show for Edinburgh which will feature a more recent case of social embarrassment.

He wouldn't be drawn on exactly what this involved but did say it happened on New Year's Eve and was "pretty weird."

Sharing the bill with Jimmy on Saturday night is Fergus Craig, who made quite an impression on The Maltings faithful when he took to the stage last year and he'll be hoping that Berwick's 'Neighbours' fans come out in force once again. Tickets start at £8 for concessions and to book ring The Maltings box office on (01289) 330999.