“I threw up – that’s how nervous I was,” he said.

“I still always get nervous, but if you do a good set it’s one of the best feelings you can have.

“I always worry if it’s going to work, but it’s a really great feeling when it does.”

Hampstead was urged to have a crack at comedy by his brother-in-law Aidan Nicolson, who organised a charity event at the Seanchai for locals who wanted to try stand-up. Since then, Hampstead has performed at Nicolson’s monthly Dirty Angel comedy sessions in the Mozart Hall, as well as shows in Geelong, Colac, Ocean Grove and Ballarat.

“I’d like to eventually go further,” Hampstead said.

“Everyone who’s done it (at the Dirty Angel sessions) for the first time has gotten hooked and come back again. It’s always a good room and the audience really gets into it.”

The Warrnambool comedian’s burgeoning career will lead him to the Lighthouse Theatre on Saturday night for a Cancer Council fundraiser.

He will perform alongside the likes of Nicolson and other local Dirty Angel graduates Jake Hicks, Scott Barlett and Greg Duffield.

Headlining the night will by Harley Breen, who won the prestigious “comedians choice award” AKA The Piece Of Wood award at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2011.

Tickets are still available at the Lighthouse Theatre.