THE winner of a Bolton shopping centre’s search for new comic talent has fulfilled his dream of starring in his own stand-up show.

Bolton barrister and dad-of-one, Chris Kehoe, aged 34, who lives in Smithills, was crowned top comedian in the Comedy Club competition.

It was launched by Crompton Place Shopping Centre and the Octagon Theatre earlier this year with head judge, Bolton funny man Dave Spikey.

Mr Kehoe's top prize was the chance to perform at a one-off gig at the Octagon in front of a paying audience on Sunday evening.

Coming off stage at the end of his hit 40-minute routine, he said: “It was a brilliant experience and I’m very grateful to Crompton Place and Octagon Theatre for giving me the opportunity to do it.

“I’ve always thought I could be a stand-up comedian and this gave me the chance to prove it and fulfil my dream.

“It was a big crowd with more than 150 people in the audience and I got a very warm reception from them. I think they really enjoyed what I did.

“I was a bit nervous when I first went on stage but as soon as I started to get laughs I began to relax and everything went great.

“At the end of the show I felt very happy and pleased that it had gone so well. In fact, my mind was just alive afterwards.

“My partner Lisa was in the audience to watch me. She came along to Octagon after settling our three-year-old daughter Amaya and I know she enjoyed my performance too because I heard her laughing from the audience."

Mr Kehoe, who specialises in civil work as a barrister with the police, has been doing comedy seriously for about a year.

He said: "I’ve always liked comedy and thought I could do stand-up. I’m used to being in front of people because of my job and a couple of public speaking things I’ve done, so trying to make people laugh has stemmed from there.

“Last year I thought I’d give it a go and put my name down for an open mic night at a comedy club in Manchester. That went well and since then I’ve done a couple of 10 or 15 minute spots.

“But the gig at Octagon was the first time I’ve done stand-up in front of such a large crowd and been on stage for so long. Forty minutes is a proper headline spot on the professional comedy circuit.

“In the first half of my spot I did observational stuff about Bolton, where I’m from, and also about how becoming a parent for the first time changes your life. Later in the show I concentrated on the absurd things some people say on social media and then I did a bit on politics.

“I now hopefully want to get more gigs and gradually build my experience of stand-up.

“Although there aren’t too many of them, I do know a few people who have famously made the transition from the legal profession to comedy, including Clive Anderson who is a qualified barrister and Bob Mortimer who had been a practising solicitor.

“If the opportunity presented itself I’d certainly consider making a full-time career in comedy but it’s still a bit early yet to be thinking of giving up the day-job.”

He was supported at the Octagon Theatre gig by character comic actress Cassie Atkinson, 31, of Chorley New Road, who took second place in the competition.

Paula Wood, Crompton Place manager, said: “They are both definitely comic stars in the making and I wish them every success in the future."

Elizabeth Newman, associate director of the Octagon, said: “The Octagon is very proud of Chris and Cassie for their performances on Sunday night. They were a triumph."