Omid Djalili will be touring his new show across the UK after a sell-out start at The Witham, Barnard Castle, on Tuesday, March 1, and moves on to Stockton’s Arc in April. He answers questions on the tour, his current TV projects, the BBC’s Dickensian and Sky 1’s Lucky Man.

YOU appear in the BBC’s blockbuster Dickensian. What was it like appearing in the show?

It’s all of Dickens’ characters in one original series. I’m a fan of the mega mix so I like the concept. I’m looking forward to the next one where they mash up the films of Woody Allen. It would be great to see Martin Landau’s character in Crimes and Misdemeanours have an inappropriate liaison with the police horse that made a fleeting appearance in Annie Hall.

Which Dickens character do you play?

Mr Venus. He is a taxidermist who makes a fleeting appearance in Our Mutual Friend, Dickens’ last novel. He has an inappropriate liaison with a police horse. A real shame they didn’t include that story line in the BBC1 series.

As a less-established Dickens character, did that make it easier to put your own stamp on Mr Venus?

Yes. I got to wear a hat. I love hats. It’s an underrated fashion accessory. Mine gave me an added Pimp of Bethlehem dimension which was unexpected.

How have devoted Dickens’ fans responded to the show?

The only other group who are watching it apart from Dickens fans are the Brighton branch of the Hairy Bears who have emailed to say that they are enjoying it immensely, but could I show some more chest hair? Also “please please please more scenes of you massaging Inspector Bucket. Yummy!”

What can audiences expect from your comedy tour?

A rollicking good night out.

Have you tackled the subject of terror attacks in the past?

Yes. If a comedian is successful in lampooning so-called human beings known as "terrorists" we take a collective step closer to removing the fear in society that they seek to create.

Are your new shows often inspired by current events?

No. Events surrounding dried grapes are of no interest to me.

How do you usually go about developing a new comedy show?

I write stuff on my computer and keep it under wraps until I test it. The rest that doesn’t work, I tweet.

Who do you test your new material on?

Newly-arrived immigrants.

It’s been more than 20 years since you started out as a stand-up. Are there fans that you always recognise at your gigs?

I like playing Cambridgeshire as I get to wave to and have banter with the regular Haverhill Slaughterhouse works do that always book when I’m on. He usually comes on his own.

How do you think your comedy has evolved throughout your career?

My career has evolved like the weird little prehistoric horse the Hypo-hippus which used to have three toes but then developed hooves. So no one really cares or can say for certain it actually ever existed.

What was your worst ever gig?

I can’t read that question without hearing “… so far?” But I suppose until this moment it has to be Haverhill Slaughterhouse. I don’t like performing behind chicken wire, even if it protects me from flying bottles.

You’re also appearing in Sky 1 series Stan Lee’s Lucky Man. What can you tell us about that?

It’s dark and tantalising. It’s about the power of having luck. They’re calling it Stan Lee’s Lucky Man because Stan Lee wants to prove that if you wear the lucky bracelet you can have the kind of luck that allows you to have your name before anything you really covet or desire. Stan Lee’s Cillet Bang is due to hit Argos shelves any moment.

You have a glittering array of film credits including the recently Golden Globe and Oscar nominated ‘Shaun the Sheep Movie’. Which are you most proud of?

I don’t have a favourite. The thing about movies is that they are filmed and captured in that state forever. The reason I love stand up is because there is always the opportunity to improve it and make it better.

You recently turned 50. What would you say to your 25 year old self, just starting out in comedy?

Forget everything you learned in Theatre Studies. Nuanced variations on the same screeching Arab accent will get you further than you ever imagined.

Tour dates: Tuesday, March 1, The Witham, Barnard Castle, for ticket returuns ring 01833-631-107

Tuesday, April 12: Stockton Arc. 01642-525199

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