Mitch Macfarlane is a Scottish comedian now based in Calgary, known for a style that’s as multifaceted as it is unique. His stand-up is characterized by a dry, observational, and self-deprecating wit, influenced by comedy icons like George Carlin and Frankie Boyle. On the musical side, Mitch is the frontman for the band Giraffistan, a group he describes as a “musical cartoon” that uses wacky voices to deliver dark and twisted lyrics. He takes pride in pushing his band to lean into chaos and create unrepeatable, high-energy performances.
How would you describe your comedy style?
I’m no one-trick pony, nor am I an old nag of tricks! My multifaceted musical is wacky in its delivery, often using cartoon character voices to juxtapose the dark and twisted lyrical content. In stand-up, however, I’m like many Scots – dour, dry. I use Observations, word play, often in a self-deprecating style. My joke-telling is mostly short form, but I’m working on a story-based set for the future.
Who are some of your influences?
George Carlin was the guy I saw online who made me think, ‘I have to do that.’ I’ve always ranted about what annoys me to anyone who’d listen – then I learned I could get paid for it. My American influences include Bill Hicks, Louis CK & Bill Burr, while on the Scottish side, it’s Frankie Boyle; Billy Connolly (who I consider the GOAT). I’ve never seen anyone master comedy that’s dirty, clean quite like he does.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
As a kid, I loved Jim Carrey’s comic acting. He was an idol of sorts. My oldest female friends often compare me to him. Reginald D Hunter was somebody I enjoyed on British panel shows. Rhod Gilbert and Dara O’Briain also warrant a mention.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
I’ve recently started to like the work of Fin Taylor, whose standup is on the nose and pulls no punches. ‘Fin vs The Internet’ is a great web series, too.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I’m very superstitious with that, so as I ride Calgary’s excuse for a transit system, I listen to ‘Life’s What You Make it’ by Talk Talk on repeat. As I walk to the venue, I’m smoking, using my phone’s voice recorder to run my set and keeping an eye on the time. I smoke a lot of darts before I do stand-up, but the key things are a banana and a big can of Monster. I also splash water on my face as well as tie my shoelaces (even when they’re already tied; sometimes several times over).
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
I love Calgary’s Laugh Shop – Great stage and great crowds. A treasured memory is my first gig in Montreal at McKibbin’s Irish Pub, hosted by Ben Cardilli. I had a point to prove that night, so I did my best 5. Fortunately, Ben identified a Scottish guy in the crowd – no accent – who was on a first date, which played right into my hands for when it was my turn to go up. My closing bit had me ridicule audience members on first dates, and, of course, the other Scottish guy was the ideal target for me and my Aberdonian accent.
What is your favourite bit you have written? Why were you proud of it?
When I visited the land of my roots in May, I found a long list of Scottish inventions. For example, we invented the toaster. We invented the toaster so anyone suicidal could still have a bath. It was by far the best Scottish invention joke that came from that exercise. I like it because it relates to my Scottishness, my occasional sad time. It’s not as well-received as many of my others, but it’s one of my favourite jokes to tell on stage.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comedians?
YouTube and Spotify are the online mediums I typically use for finding new comedians. It’s also great to stumble upon some unfamiliar talent at the open mic scene in Calgary. (wink wink, nudge nudge!)
Tell us a joke about your city
When I tell jokes in Calgary, I’m often mistaken for Irish. I’m known for bombing.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
My band, Giraffistan, puts on our own shows in town, including ‘Laughs & Giraffes,’ where our support act is a handful of Calgary’s finest comedians. We also have a studio EP, live album coming out very soon. We’re among the most unique, eclectic bands in Alberta, made up entirely of giraffes. Our mission is to secede from Southern Alberta and to become an independent nation. While we don’t take ourselves too seriously, I take pride in pushing my bandmates not to cling to the script. Instead, I want us to take risks, lean into the chaos and control it together. The best players thrive in fluid structures – they don’t panic when things shift; they adapt and own it like they planned it. For an audience, this also guarantees that each performance has its own pulse with unrepeatable moments. Like all the best comedians, I believe that the best bands can change gears mid-flight without anyone reaching for an oxygen mask.
Where can we follow you?
I’m on Instagram and Facebook. I try to avoid TikTok as the clock of my life ticks too quickly for that.
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
You need to check out Monica Urribarri! She’s a Venezuelan vixen who’s very early on her journey, but she’s way ahead of many others. This girl is going places! I’m also a big fan of Red Deer’s Luke Walls. He’s a highlight on any lineup in my book. Honourable hilarious humans include Ben Cannon, Chris Wipf, Austin Ahenakew and Troo Knot.
I’ll also shout out Yianni Assimakis, Tarah Buchanan & Dezz Graham, who gave me opportunities & believed in me when I’d first started. All of the local legends I’ve mentioned can be found on Facebook and Instagram.
