A COMEDIAN is returning to his hometown at the end of next month.

Funnyman Mike Wilkinson will be performing at Leigh RUFC on Hand Lane on Saturday, October 19 to entertain spectators with his brand of observational comedy.

The former St Mary’s Catholic High School student, who has shared the stage with Jason Manford and Dave Spikey, got into comedy late.

Mike followed his “first love of music” when he worked in a Manchester studio for around six years before he set up his own base in Leigh.

He then embarked on a career as a primary school teacher before he became a professional comic 15 years ago.

Leigh Journal:

Mike, 50, who grew up on Timperley Lane in Leigh, said: “I got into comedy after seeing Peter Kay who started talking about local stuff that I could relate to.

“Billy Connelly and Eddie Izzard are two of my heroes too.

“I played at Leigh Miners a few months ago and it was a lot of fun.

“When I’m in Leigh I talk about things that are exclusive to Leythers.

“I am quite an quiet person but I love the feeling of making people laugh.

Mike, who has played at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe a few times, has lived in Flookburgh in Cumbria for the last eight years.

He loves the lifestyle, which gives him a nice break away from the stage.

“I live on a small hold with a great big garden where I keep bees and chickens and grown my own veg,” Mike said.

“It is the perfect antidote to going to a club and working.”

Leigh Journal:

READ > How high school is celebrating heroes to inspire students

Mike has written a six-part series, Date Two, which is set to be filmed in Manchester in October, which will star Leigh actor Will Travis and his partner Susan McArdle.

MC Ste Porter and Danny Pensive will also be taking to the stage at the Leigh RUFC gig.

Tickets are priced at £10. To book one contact Karl on 07870 601703.

Doors will open at 7.15pm with the show set to start at 8.15pm.