Describing himself as "an idiot who talks too much", it is little wonder Luke Bailey, aka 80s Luke, became a comedian. That was six years ago. Now, hundreds of gigs later – including a memorable five-hour trip to Edinburgh for a five-minute set – and he could even be considered a veteran.

And that means he's the ideal compere for Carnivale 69's New Stand Up Act Competition 2010 – even if it does mean fighting his instincts.

"I've always been part mentalist, part entertainer," says Manchester-based Luke, whose dad, who he likes to call 50s John, accompanies him to every show.

"But I've matured a bit now and I'm happy to help the younger guys.

"One of the best pieces of advice I've ever had is to use your nerves as energy, to view them as a positive and use them to feed your performance.

"Whether you're the biggest or the smallest name in comedy, it's always nerve-racking to be on stage, but particularly if you're new to it. As compere, my job is to get the audience going, so it's a better crowd for the new guys to come out to.

"I'm also there to offer a bit of advice if they want it."

The C69 New Stand Up Act Competition 2010 offers comedians the opportunity to complete for the C69 New Act Of The Year title, which comes with a £200 cash prize plus a paid performance with the club. In the three heats to date Liverpool's Lynne Crooke and Hullensians Jed Salisbury, Kishore Nayar and Liam Smedley have won places in the final, which will be held at the Kings Ale House in King Street, Hull, on Sunday, July 4.

The fourth heat will take place at The George Hotel in Land Of Green Ginger, Hull, on Friday, June 11.

Acts will include Oliver Griffin, Matthew Wilson, El Purnel, Mick Hibberd, Frankie Peoples, Mo Al-Daami, Rob Coleman and Lee Smith.

In a format Luke describes as being "like Strictly Come Dancing but backwards", the panel of three judges pick the winner of each heat, with the audience choosing a runner-up to also go through to the final.

"It's a good set-up and a real learning curve for those taking part," says Luke.

"There's a lot of new talent coming through and they just need experience.

"Most new comedians have come through the ranks by doing workshops, learning how to tell stories, how to deal with hecklers and other things.

"But to become a better comedian, you just have to go out there and do it.

"That's the only way to learn and this competition guarantees an up-and-comer will have a set with a friendly audience. They also get to perform in a place call the Land Of Green Ginger, which is a funny name in itself.

"It's an iconic place to comedians out of Hull and the comedy circuit is really improving in the city, so it will be a good experience for those taking part."

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