So You Think You’re Funny? Is a comedy competition started by the Gilded Balloon (Edinburgh venue – see here) in 1988. Regional showcases are held – followed by Edinburgh heats and then a grand final (all held at the Gilded Balloon).

The entry rules (terminally slow website, btw, you have been warned) cover such as (1) how many stand up spots you are allowed to have completed recently (2) that you must be unsigned (by manager or agent) when applying (3) must not have performed at Edinburgh (4) must have 7 minutes of material etc. etc.

Basically, they are looking to nurture new stand-up talent and having a cash prize, mentorship meetings, headshots, a solo Edinburgh show and so on make it something really worth winning.

Previous winners have included Lee Mack, Peter Kay, Tommy Tiernan, Jason Byrne, Lucy Porter, Maisie Adam, Aisling Bea, Tom Allen, Rhod Gilbert and Miles Jupp. See full details on the SYTYF Alumni page.

Jimmy entered the competition in 1999 which kind of slightly changes the narrative of his Edinburgh association starting in 2001 (with Rubbernecker). In 1999 he didn’t have a show to put on – he was just enjoying the comedy and entered this competition.

To browse the timeline of his early pub and club gigs – see here.

David O’Doherty won, in 1999, and the other finalists were:

• Jimmy Carr
• Russell Howard (aged 19)
• Andy Zaltzman
• Josie Long
• Juliet Cowan
• Richard Morris

Although Jimmy is listed on the SYTYF website, they have not mentioned him in this short promo.