MARION SAUVEBOIS talks to the nation’s favourite chatty man

IN the middle of the interview, a very loud police siren starts wailing in the background. Quick as a flash, Alan Carr jokes, “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 comic’s quick-witted humour. And he is getting ready to share more of his trademark razor-sharp quips and occasional flights of fancy with audiences in his new show Yap, Yap, Yap!

The presenter, who boasts a huge national following after hosting 13 series of his C4 chat show, Alan Carr Chatty Man, smiles, “I adore touring – it keeps me out of mischief! This is the biggest tour I’ve ever done.

“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.”

For his latest tour, Alan has deliberately chosen to perform at more intimate venues and – like the Wyvern Theatre, which he visits on Sunday, March 15 – they sold out in minutes.

“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 someone’s jumper 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. You want to perform for them because they’re so lovely.”

So what subjects will Alan be discussing in Yap, Yap, Yap!?

“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,” he said.

“It’s about co-habiting and how it affects you. 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.”

He has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Bafta for Best Entertainment Performance and the 2013 British Comedy Award for Best Comedy Entertainment Personality and yet he insists he has never taken his notoriety or success for granted.

“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!”

To find out about his upcoming shows go to swindontheatres.co.uk or visit www.alancarr.net