SIX weeks ago he packed up his life in Brighton and left for London, to pursue his dream of becoming a comedy star. Today, Paul McCaffrey is celebrating after being named thelondonpaper's hot new stand-up of the year.
The 34-year-old beat off tough competition from four fellow shortlisted acts in the sell-out live final of our inaugural thelondoncomic competition at Soho Theatre last night.
Now he is set to perform a major solo gig alongside top funnyman Russell Kane at the Dean Street venue on 27 February. He said: "This is absolutely amazing. I only moved to London six weeks ago, thinking it was now or never to push the comedy career, and within days I'd seen the competition in thelondonpaper. I can't believe I've won it. This is nothing like the six people in a pub stuff I've done in the past."
McCaffrey, who lives in Walthamstow and works for a charity telephone fundraising firm, added: "I'd like to jack my job in and pursue comedy full-time. We'll just have to see where this all leads now."
Judges including Soho Theatre comedy producer Steve Lock, comedian Nick Mohammed and Bafta-nominated producer Gary Reich - who has worked with Sacha Baron Cohen and the Mighty Boosh boys - picked their two favourites from the five finalists: McCaffrey and French comic Marcel Lucont, 29.
But, in the end, the decision was down to the audience - and they overwhelmingly voted McCaffrey thelondoncomic winner.
The top 5 finalists were - Click their names to watch their final performances:
- Paul McCaffrey, 34 is also from Walthamstow and works in telesales.
- Marcel Lucont, 29, Originally from Roubaix, France, Mark now resides in London Bridge where he is self employed.
- Jane Hill, 44 from Walthamstow writes psychological thrillers for a living
- Gareth Morinon, 22 a civil servant from Penge.
- Albion Gray, 26, a creative from Bethnal Green.
These finalists must now perform at the live final where they face the public and our judges. The judging panel includes:
- Alexa Baracaia, thelondonpaper's Arts & Entertainment Editor
- Gary Reich, Comedy Producer & Director
- Nick Mohammed, Comedian
- Steve Locke, Soho Theatre's Comedy Producer
