Standup comic Jamie MacDonald playing Cumbernauld Theatre

Known as That Funny Blind Guy for obvious reasons, Jamie had a successful run at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe and is establishing a growing fanbase.

However comedy is a distinct departure from Jamie’s previous high-flying career in finance.

“I have always been interested in comedy but actually worked as a corporate banker. I hated it.

“When the credit crunch came along that pretty much put paid to my career.”

“After some time thinking about my options I decided to have a crack at doing comedy.”

Although he gave his first comedy performance in 2009, Jamie initially concentrated on writing for other people but soon progressed to also taking to the stage himself. His first solo show, That Funny Blind Guy to the 2013 Edinburgh Fringe, getting a slot in the Laughing Horse comedy show. The show did very well with audiences and critics alike and Jamie continued gigging on the Scottish comedy circuit.

His performances are attracting excellent reviews and part of Jamie’s current show, Oblivious, reflects on his childhood as a visually impaired kid attending a specialist school in Glasgow. Humorously, of course.

“I started having problems with my eyesight in my early teens and it’s just gotten worse since then,” said Jamie.

Saying that, he does not feel that visual impairment causes much of a problem for a comedy performer.

“Most comics can’t see past the first row or two of their audience anyway,” said Jamie, who is also a writer and voice over artist whose voice has been used in various advertisements. He has also written scripts for the likes of Dewar’s Whisky and walking tours company Walking Heads.

See Oblivious at Cumbernauld Theatre this Saturday, February 20, from 7.45pm. Tickets, £8-£10, from the box office on 01236 732887 or the theatre website at cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk.

Jamie MacDonald’s Facebook page can be found at www.facebook.com/thatfunnyblindguy.