Five Minutes With: Newport comedian Dan Mitchell.

If you had to be stuck in a lift with someone, who would it be and why?

David Attenborough, I'm fascinated by wildlife and would love to hear his tales of exotic animals in far off locations. But the thought of being trapped in a lift with anyone is horrible, I would be paranoid about whether I smelled.

What is your biggest fear?

Failure. And giant ants.

Do you have any superstitions?

I'm not particularly superstitious, though when I see a single magpie, I always look out for a second one. They mate for life, so there's usually another one hanging around.

If you could have one song on your iPod, what would it be and why?

Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding. A beautiful, relaxing song with a hint of melancholy but an overwhelming feeling of optimism. And a whistle solo.

What's the most expensive thing you've bought not including your property?

A top notch PC with all the gubbins and a desk. It's defunct now, replaced with a far cleverer laptop which requires no desk.

What is the best piece of advice you've been given?

It was actually something I read in 'The Hagakure', the way of the Samurai. There is something to be learned from a rainstorm. When meeting with a sudden shower, you try not to get wet and run quickly along the road. But doing such things as passing under the eaves of houses, you still get wet. Basically it means, don't fret about things you have no control over.

What's your indulgence?

Food. I love to cook and will spend all day preparing a meal sometimes, even if it's only for myself.

What item could you not live without?

My laptop, it's my best friend and worst enemy, doing good works and wasting my time.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?

The speed at which I work, I'm easily distracted and it can be hard to keep my eye on the ball at times.

Where are you next going on holiday?

I'm gigging in Oslo in December, does that count?