Cheryl Livingstone speaks to Des Clarke about his return to stand-up and the Highland capital
HI, DES, THIS IS YOUR FIRST STAND-UP TOUR IN FIVE YEARS. CAN YOU TELL US WHAT YOU’VE BEEN DOING IN THAT TIME?
I’ve been a busy boy. That’s part of the problem. All work, no play and no time to tour. Monday to Friday I host the Capital Breakfast Show in central Scotland. I’m also the stadium host for Scottish football and rugby matches. I pop up on telly when I can and still do my comedy thing on the circuit and the Edinburgh Fringe. Throw in my yearly panto stint and you can see how tricky it has been to find time to hit the road. I’m so glad I’ve done it, though. I’m already a few dates into the tour and I can tell you I won’t leave it another five years.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO RETURN TO STAND-UP? WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT IT? IS THERE ANYTHING YOU DON’T LIKE ABOUT IT?
I never gave up live comedy, but I did stop touring with a solo show. After last year’s Commonwealth Games, there was so much attention on me I thought it was the right time to get out there and show everyone what my real passion was.
I love the buzz of a stand-up crowd. You can’t beat that instant reaction you get off them. You have to be on your toes, though. It was the stand-up skills that helped me host the closing ceremony. My first gig was in front of 12 people and now here I was in front of a global audience of 1billion. Funny thing is, I was more nervous for that wee gig in front of 12 punters.
CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR SHOW? WHAT CAN AUDIENCE MEMBERS EXPECT?
It’s the most personal show I’ve ever done. It’s me telling stories of growing up and dealing with all the big things that have happened in my career. Most of all, you can expect a good laugh and a cracking night out.
WHERE DOES THE TITLE, THE TROUBLE WITH BEING DES,
COME FROM?
The title can be summed up in two words – glorious failure. Something we Scots know a lot about. Whenever something seems to be going well for me, I’m great at hitting the self-destruct button. Thankfully, I can laugh about it which is handy for a comedian.
YOU STARTED DOING STAND-UP AT JUST 19, WHAT WAS THAT LIKE? WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHANGES YOU’VE SEEN IN THE COMEDY INDUSTRY OVER THE YEARS?
Nineteen was a great age to start comedy. I was fearless and I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. It means you can just perform on pure instinct.
Comedy’s just got bigger and bigger over the years, which is great for all of us. It’s standard now for comedians to outsell most music acts and fill arenas across the country. My tip to comedy fans, though, is to check out the up and coming talent at the smaller gigs. Support live comedy and you could see the next big thing for a fraction of the price.
ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO PLAYING INVERNESS? HAVE YOU PERFORMED THERE BEFORE? WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MEMORIES OF THE HIGHLAND CAPITAL?
I love playing Inverness. I’m no stranger to the place. I’ve been a regular at RockNess and Belladrum and it always seems to be sunny every time I’m there. I’m hoping for more of the same this time.
I’ve also had the pleasure of playing Eden Court before, which is a beautiful venue. In my experience, Inverness crowds respond best to comedians who give it laldy and make them laugh. Sounds right up my street.
Des Clarke will perform at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness this Saturday, May 23. Doors open at 8pm and tickets cost £14.