Nathan's prayers answered (From Surrey Comet)

Nathan's prayers answered

5:19pm Thursday 14th September 2006 in Comedy By Nancy Groves

Of all the places to kick off your comedy career, church hardly seems like the obvious venue.

But when Nathan Caton first took the mick at the mic, God was indeed his witness.

"I was always known for being the joker and so when this talent show came up at my local church, someone suggested I do some stand-up," says Caton, now 21 and in his third year of an architecture degree at Anglia Polytechnic.

"I wrote a little act and it went down well but everyone there knew me so they'd have laughed whatever I said. It wasn't until I was 19 that I did my first proper gig at a little bar on Old Street. And to be honest, that was awful. I was young, my material was weak and my stage presence was weak. There were only about five people there and they were the other comedians on the bill!"

However, something since has clicked and in 2005, Caton was crowned Chortle's Student Stand-Up of the Year, a title that has boosted his comedy CV no end.

Praised by the judges as "a slick performer with an unbeatable stage attitude and the confident air of someone much more experienced", Caton seems well on his way to emulating the black American comedians who most inspired him - Eddie Murphy, Chris Tucker and the late Richard Pryor whom Caton labels simply "the grandaddy".

But what of black comedy on this side of the Atlantic? The scene seems less defined than its Stateside equivalent.

"Black comedy is there in this country but it's not as noticeable," says Caton.

"You have to know where to go in Central and West London. I really like Gina Yashere, as well as Curtis Walker and Kojo."

Tonight, Caton makes his debut at Roar with Laughter in the first gig of a new season at the Colliers Wood club. Headlining the night is Milton Jones, as well as Damage & Krysstal and Sally-Anne Hayward. But Caton says he's as happy in a mixed line-up as a black-only bill.

"My stuff is unique. A lot of black comedians are talking about growing up in strict families but it's been done so many times before. I want to be more authentic. So my act comes from stuff I go through or my perceptions of life as a young person in London."

"I do feel young. Most of the other comedians I meet are in their late 20s and 30s talking about their baby or their wife and here I am talking about MTV and Pimp my Ride!"

At least Caton has nabbed himself the charmed middle spot. This time last year, it was filled with the ebullient ball of energy otherwise known as Josie Long, back at Roar with Laughter later this season. And we all know how well she has done.

Roar with Laughter, GJ's, 62 High Street, Colliers Wood, Thursday, September 14, 8.30pm, £7/£6.

Call 0845 8382591, visit roar-with-laughter.co.uk