Comedian Iain Stirling in Conversation

Although known by many as the voiceover for the television show Love Island, Iain Stirling is a successful comedian. The Edinburgh born artist grew up in the city going on to study Law at university in the city. He still runs his own channel on the streaming service, Twitch, where he interacts with viewers whilst they play videogames. Ahead of his spring tour, Graham Clark chatted to Iain about his career to date and the forthcoming ‘Relevant’ tour…

What drew you to comedy?
Growing up in Edinburgh was a good grounding for me as, besides the Edinburgh Festival, there was also the Fringe Festival. I used to go along to the Fringe and see all these up-and-coming comedians and I decided I wanted to be there up on-stage making people laugh.

What makes you laugh?
Stand-up comedy with comedians such as Kevin Bridges and Billy Connolly – people who are self-deprecating and can laugh at themselves. Plus, I like things like people falling over – if they are not hurt.

Many comedians off stage are quite miserable – what about you?
I think all comedians adopt this comic persona on stage – off stage I always try to remain positive and always try to be a nice guy and treat the fans that way too. Anyone is always welcome to get a photo taken with me after the show.

The tour is coming to Yorkshire, have you visited the county in the past?
Many times: Harrogate is so posh, City Varieties in Leeds is such an iconic theatre to perform in, and I am so much looking forward to performing there on the tou. In the comedy world the theatre is known as one of the best places to play – very much like another favourite of mine, the Hackney Empire – both feel so intimate. On the tour I am also playing York Grand Opera House, I have to pinch myself sometimes that I am playing there, as the theatre is massive.

Why have you called it the ‘Relevant’ tour?
I called it the ‘Relevant’ tour because I started to ask myself what is relevant at my age. I am now in my thirties, and I would like to feel that I am still relevant. I love being in a pub with my mates and discussing things – sometimes I feel that the art of conversation has been lost, that is why I describe my shows as a conversation with the audience. I want everyone to leave thinking that the show was brilliant, and they have experienced something that will never happen to them again.

Do you prefer television or theatre work?
Stand-up comedy is the one thing that will always, hopefully, provide me with work and is my trade – always best to have one. Television work comes and goes, but as long as I remain funny people will come back to the theatre and see me: put your mobile phone away for an hour and have a good laugh with me, you can’t beat a good night out.

Are you still an avid videogames fan?
I am! I love playing video games. Over the years they have become so advanced in terms of storylines and features. I also like music too, being a lad of the nineties, I grew up listening to bands like New Found Glory and Blink 182. I also like a Scottish band, Young Fathers, who I should ask everyone to check out, as well as Admiral Fallow.

What was the best recent concert you have seen?
I was over in Vegas recently and saw Adele – I am not a huge fan but after her performance I had to admit that she was brilliant. I saw U2 over there and they were excellent too.

Iain Stirling’s ‘Relevant’ tour comes to Huddersfield LBT on 20th March 2025