With his amazing gift of observational comedy, Mick Miller shows no signs of slowing down

Pete with Mick Miller
-Credit:UGC


I have just spent some time with Mick Miller, my favourite living comic.

He is now a TikTok star and told me that it really helps to put bums on seats wherever he works. I love the fact that Mick can write gags at the drop of a hat, he has an amazing gift.

We were talking about the early days, when there were three working men’s clubs in one street in some towns. There was so much work about you could be on the road for months without getting home.

The TV show The Comedians became a huge success and put Mick well and truly on the map. He now lives in Blackpool, but he is a Liverpool lad through and through

ADVERTISEMENT

His real name is Michael Lawton, and he desperately wanted to be a professional footballer. He talks about that on my podcast.

He actually played in goal and at one stage had a trial for the England youth team. He was very sad as it wasn’t going the way he wanted it to, so he left football and started at Pontins when holiday camps were all the rage and that’s when he became interested in stand-up comedy.

READ MORE: I went to see Robin Hood at the London Palladium and it left me in awe and the audience spellbound

READ MORE: The Vivienne: I shall miss the lovely, talented James Lee Williams

He did New Faces, the talent show I was on, and like me, he won his heat. Working at Pontins, Mick developed an observational style of comedy, which he has continued to develop over the years and has made him the star he is today.

ADVERTISEMENT

As he is bald with long hair it makes him very recognisable and is the opening of his act. Work has changed so much for all entertainers nowadays.

So many clubs have disappeared, and the bulk of work is on cruise ships. Once you get a name for yourself in that industry, you can work every week that you want.

There are now over 300 cruise ships sailing around the world, and believe me, Mick has a great reputation. People think it is magical, but in fact, it is very lonely.

Once upon a time, you would get on a ship and stay on it for the whole cruise. Now, they take you off at different ports and fly you around the world, which sounds like a dream job, but you have to remember, there are many delays, your luggage gets lost, you miss your connection.

It’s not all it is made up to be. I remember once on one of my cruises where I was working, they had lost my clothes.

ADVERTISEMENT

I begged, borrowed and stole, and finished up looking like the captain. Mick now picks and chooses his work as he is sick of all the traveling.

He is always on tour, and now working the comedy clubs, plus smaller theatres. The Liverpool stand-up comedian, active since 1970s is still touring.

Love you, Mick.

READ MORE: I wish you all a sparkling new year, filled with joy, love, and endless possibilities

READ MORE: I cannot wait to see what the Liverpool Empire has lined up for its Centenary celebrations