We talk to comedian Alan Davies
Alan Davies is much loved for his role as crime buster Jonathan Creek, admired for his quick witted retorts as QI panelist and adored by Arsenal fans for his footie podcast. But his roots are in stand up and he’s back on the road, stopping off this month at Watford Colosseum ..
Alan Davies is no stranger to stand up. Kicking off his comedy career 25 years ago on the club circuit, he returned to stand up three years ago after a long break. But, he says, the subject matter has changed.
“ You have a different perspective on things when you’re older, especially childhood. I’m not a Harry Hill, Mighty Boosh or a Reeves and Mortimer comic. My comedy is autobiographical and about the things I struggle with – parenting, family illness, not seeing my wife enough. You try to take what you feel like – tense, frustrated, furious, raging and use it. It’s accessible comedy and funnier than QI.”
QI is completely different entertainment
“ I’ve known most of the other comedians for years so it’s a laugh. I’m always on a roll and very much the fool guy.”
And what about Jonathon Creek the amateur sleuth?
“ People like him and buy the DVDs! I inadvertently gave the creators the idea for the look at the BBC Christmas party. I was wearing a rented dinner suit, bow tie and duffle coat – it was freezing! They thought it was perfect – the original character was bald with glasses and a long coat.”
The duffle coat disappeared in the last series just as Jonathan Creek, like Davies’ comedy and his audience, has grown up.
Alan Davies, Little Victories, Watford Colosseum,
Sat 29 Nov www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk 0845 075 3993
Photo: Tony Briggs