Fast Show comedian coming to Wigan

A comedian whose new one-man show brings no fewer than four comic characters to the stage is looking forward to performing in Wigan.

Simon Day of The Fast Show fame paid glowing tribute to northern comedy audiences compared to their southern counterparts during his latest UK tour.

Simon Day In Character is coming to The Old Courts on March 22, with the funnyman taking on the challenge of bringing to life a quartet of his varied personas in just one evening.

The London comedian says he is already well aware of the borough and cannot wait to entertain its stand-up fans.

Simon said: “I have a good friend who comes from Wigan and is an artist so I’ve visited before.

“I’m looking forward to bringing the tour here, the northern audiences are always good. They’re really up for a gig and always have the attitude they’re going to have a good time and you’re invited to join in.

“In the south people can sit back, expect you to make them laugh and they are seeing how good you are and what you’ve got.

“It’s not always like that, of course, but that’s generally what I’ve found and other comedians have said that as well.”

The tour visiting the Crawford Street arts and culture hub is notable as it marks the debut live stage appearance for Brian Pern, the star of a hit BBC TV show.

Loosely based on former Genesis member Peter Gabriel, the ageing prog rocker and humanitarian will discuss rumours of his own death and perform some songs.

Also tickling Wiganers’ funnybones will be Billy Bleach, The Fast Show’s pub bore and star of witness protection comedy Grass, who has a reputation for making sexist comments in his local Wetherspoons.

Simon will also appear as Yorkshire poet Geoffrey Allerton and Tony Beckton, who has served many years in prison and struggles to adapt to life on the outside.

Simon says appearing live in character is tricky but something he relishes as not many stand-up performers and comedians do it.

He said; “It’s a bit different and it’s what I started out doing. The only difficulty is that if people don’t get the character they won’t find it funny, so you have to make sure it connects on some level and hope people will think it reminds them of someone they know.

“TV is a walk in the park compared to stand-up. If you say something wrong when filming you can just do it again whereas you never know how a live audience will react.

“This is the first time Brian has been to the provinces. I’ve no idea what he will make of Wigan, though I doubt he will hang around to go to watch the rugby. The rest of them should all be fine.

“I have a short film introducing each character and that gives me time to get changed. It’s a busy night and tiring but it’s worth it. I love it.”

Tickets are still available for the show and the team at The Old Courts is encouraging Wiganers to snap up their seats for the show.

Simon Day in Character at The Old Courts is on March 22.

To book or find out more visit www.theoldcourts.com