James Rampton enjoys a yap with comedian Alan Carr
In the middle of my interview with Alan Carr, a very loud police siren starts wailing in the background. Quick as a flash, the comedian joked: “I’m so in demand, even the police want me,” before adding with a laugh: “Or maybe they’ve seen my act and want to arrest me.”
This is typical of the quick-witted humour of one of the finest comics currently at work in this country. The good news is that Highland audiences can see for themselves just how funny he is when he takes to the stage of Eden Court in Inverness tonight, Thursday, February 26, for the first of a two-night stay at the theatre where he’ll present his new show, Yap, Yap, Yap!
“I adore touring; it keeps me out of mischief. This is the biggest tour I’ve ever done,” said Alan.
“I love live comedy; sometimes the politics of doing the chat show and booking guests can be frustrating. And occasionally, you’ll have a dud guest with nothing to say. But when it’s just you on stage with a mic in front of lots of people who have come specifically to see you, it’s fantastic.
“You’re the boss. I get such a buzz on stage. It’s a complete adrenalin rush. When you dream up new material and think: ‘Great, I can add that to the set,’ it’s a wonderful feeling. If it works, a new joke always brings a smile to my face. It’s such a thrill.”
Alan has amazingly devoted fans. “They’re always lovely,” he enthused.
“A lot of them want to mother me. I’ve got one of those faces that makes women want to put me on their chest and stroke my hair. Blokes do the same; they always want to nestle me on their chests.”
Such is his rapport with his fans that Alan has deliberately chosen to perform at more intimate venues on this tour.
“I could have played arenas and done the tour within a month, but in those big places you can’t talk to the audience. If you mention the jumper of someone in the front row, 11,999 other people say: ‘What’s he on about?’
“With arena shows, the material doesn’t evolve. You don’t want to take the gamble of trying out new stuff in front of 12,000 people. And if you lose the room at an arena, you can’t get it back because it’s so big. Putting a show on in a theatre, everyone there feels they have had a unique night that won’t happen anywhere else.
“When you’re on stage, the audience transports you and you almost go into a trance. These people have paid good money to see you, and you can’t let them down. If they’ve had a crap day, they just want to go out and have a laugh – and it’s your responsibility to deliver.”
So what subjects will Alan be discussing?
“This show is very personal. It’s a gamble including so much personal stuff, but it pays dividends. The more personal stuff you put in, the more people go ‘Aaah.’
“Also, the audience can smell if you start lying in your act. There is an honesty in this show that people will appreciate.
“I talk about my partner. The show is about my life, so he has to be in it. I didn’t want to start lying and saying I still live on my own in Stretford.
“My partner doesn’t necessarily like being part of the show, but I said to him: ‘Look, it’s paying the bills. See those shoes you’re wearing? Comedy bought them, so stop moaning.’ The show is about manning up.”
Alan, who is famously very modest added: “Fame is very nice; I’d never take it for granted. You get lots of great opportunities. The other day, I was asked to present a Pride of Britain Award, and that was great. And I also get marvellous presents. So if the fans who are coming to the show could bring me some awful wine to put in my globe on the chat show, that would be very much appreciated.”
Contact Eden Court Box office on 01463 234234 or www.eden-court.co.uk