“I’ve never been to Stockport but I know they used to make hats there which is very gay”

James Murray, a finalist in Hot Water Comedy Club’s Comedian of the Year competition in 2024, joins us for a chat ahead of his first ever gig in Stockport

Jun 15, 2025

Sunday 15 June 2025

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THE SCARF MY FATHER WORE 2025-26 CALENDAR: Having been to all 56 County games this season, I’ve taken thousands of photos. I’ve put together calendars for next season, featuring some of my favourite photos from the last year, plus some other County bits and bobs. £10 each. Get in touch if you’d like one.

Dear County fans, Stopfordians, and anyone else from The Football Family joining us today, a very warm welcome to your Sunday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore.

Along with Dawn Bailey, Francine Carlyle and Danny McLoughlin, Hot Water Comedian of the Year finalist James Murray is on the bill at The Fingerpost on Friday 27 June for my next Desmond’s Comedy Club night. I’ve had a chat with James ahead of his first ever gig in Stockport. Drop me an email if you’d like to come along.

Today’s edition is sponsored by Lynx Taxis. A big thank you to Ehsan.

Finally, I’m currently walking every street in Stockport to raise money for mental health charity Mentell. If you’d like to make a donation to help me reach my target, please click here.

Total distance so far: 253.75 miles

Total steps so far: 418,084

Total raised so far: £2,312

Total completed streets so far: 474 (Click here for the full list, which includes reports and photos from every day of the walk.)

Further information on the walk can be found by clicking here.

Des Junior

Thanks for joining us Mr Murray. Are you any good at tennis?

Not in the slightest. Andy Murray is my uncle but we're estranged.

You were a finalist in Hot Water Comedy Club’s Comedian of the Year competition in 2024. What was that like?

It was mental. I didn’t expect to get through my semi-final but wound up roofing the heat. The same can't be said for the final but it's still one of my proudest moments in comedy.

What’s been your best stand-up gig so far?

I’d probably say Outpost for Alastair Clark. It’s a lovely little room and the audience is always up for some weird stuff. Got a few applause breaks even though there were only about five people in.

And the worst?

I did a gig as part of a charity fundraiser and by the time we were on everyone was drunk and didn't care. They couldn't even hear me so I gave up five minutes in. Also, someone got arrested while another act was on.

Who’s your comedy hero?

Honestly, Ken Dodd. He was one of the first comedians I ever watched and he just does so many different things so well. He's silly and weird and his gigs used to last for hours because he could just go and go and go.

Best thing about being a comedian?

Making people laugh. You feel like you've brought joy and it’s fun to see how much you can get out of people.

Worst thing about being a comedian?

My alcoholism.

What’s your thoughts on the town of Stockport?

I’ve never been to Stockport but I know they used to make hats there which is very gay.

Where will you be travelling from for the gig in Stockport, how will you be getting there, and what snacks do you reckon you’ll be eating on the journey?

I'll be travelling from Liverpool on a train. My usual train snack after a gig is four cans of Stella. My snack on the way there is a packet of BBQ Walkers.

And finally, obviously I do these little interviews to sell tickets for the shows. Why should people come and see you in Stockport in June?

Because no one does it quite like me. Even if you hate what I do, I guarantee you'll remember my performance. Also I'm a walking masterclass in writing gay jokes.

➡️ Come and see James (and me!) on Friday 27 June. Call/text 07816 111150 or email thescarfmyfatherwore@substack.com to reserve your seats.

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Photo of the day

Maine Road, Manchester

Aaron Wilbraham equalises at Maine Road in April 1998.

Today in SK

🍴 Food and drink

Enjoy a delicious Sunday roast at The Crown (SK2) or The Three Tunnes (SK7) with homemade Yorkshire puddings and all the trimmings. Served till 6pm.

A number of venues are featured on The Scarf My Father Wore such as The Dog & Partridge (SK2), The Crown Inn (SK6), and The Cross Keys (SK8) and Flute & Firkin (SK12). Pop in for some food or a few drinks today.