Interview... with stand-up comedian Alan Davies

Alan Davies gets back on the stand-up circuit with 'Olympic standard' comedy for the Cultural Olympiad
Olivia Williams27 July 2012

Alan Davies has been rather busy over the past decade - what with Jonathan Creek, fatherhood, educational banter with Stephen Fry on QI and becoming a hate figure for Liverpool FC. However, as part of the Cultural Olympiad, he is hosting 'An Evening with Alan Davies' - his first foray back into stand-up since 2000. What does he promise? Well 'Olympic qualifying standard' comedy, of course.

It’s going to be your first stand-up appearance in 12 years – how different are you after all that time?
I’m a bit older, slower about the place, and fatigued from parenting. I also struggle to remember my act due to bouts of amnesia more generally associated with extreme old age. I’m considering having an armchair on stage. I do manage some shouting when impersonating my children and when discussing Facebook.

Will you be doing a lot more stand-up if you feel it's gone well in the West End?
I’m going on tour round the UK in the autumn for the first time in 13 years. I’ll be back in London at the Hackney Empire in November.

What can fans expect in your ‘PLAYING THE GAMES: An Evening with…’?
Olympic-qualifying -standard stand-up comedy!

After angering Liverpool FC fans by suggesting they should play on the Hillsborough anniversary, are you going to be addressing the controversy?
I’d sooner make people laugh.

What did you think when the Hillsborough Justice Campaign refused your donation?
I gave the money to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital instead: www.imagineappeal.com

What do you think Olympic visitors will make of London?
Fortunately most of the doom-mongers and whingers have left town, so those who are left are bang up for the whole caboodle. It’s going to be great.

Where can a tourist have a good time here?
Go to the British Library by St.Pancras to look at some of their amazing old maps, before walking along the Regent’s Canal from behind King’s Cross up to Camden market. Buy something groovy and have lunch, then carry on along the canal to the Zoo.

Spend what’s left of the day people watching in Regent’s Park then treat yourself to dinner at the Paramount at the top of Centre Point. Be there for sunset. Then go to Old Compton Street for late night shenanigans.

If you were in charge of the Opening Ceremony, what would you include?
A special live It’s A Knockout with Stuart Hall and the gun carriage race from the Royal Tournament.

As a big Labour supporter, do you have any idea why Boris is still mayor?
Not a scooby-doo.

An Evening with Alan Davies is on at the Criterion Theatre on the 29th July at 7.30 pm. Tickets: £15 - £25. criterion-theatre.co.uk

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