Comedian Jeremy Hardy has a political and caring side to his nature, so when he saw first hand the devastation in Palestine he was deeply moved.

His experiences during the Israeli army incursions of 2002 were turned into a documentary called Jeremy Hardy vs The Israeli Army. He went back later with a group that were providing medical aid on the West Bank.

“We didn’t get shot at, like we did in 2002, but it is more depressing now, more pessimistic, but they are stoic people, hospitable and they make you eat,’’ said Jeremy.

The comedian is heading for Swindon with his new show that he says is just him talking about everything and anything.

“It’s just all sorts, life, the universe and everything in between. I get bored with myself so this show is more inward looking, more personal, more reflective and thinking about the world, but it is all tongue in cheek,’’ he said. “It is funny.’’

Jeremy is a well known voice on BBC Radio 4 with shows such as At Home With The Hardys, Jeremy Hardy Speaks To The Nation and the long running popular I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue.

“I prefer radio, it is more intimate, the audience creates their own pictures and the listener makes up their own mind of what is happening. They actually hear it, while the TV is often just background, and radio listeners are loyal fans,’’ said Jeremy.

The comic’s foray into television includes Now Something Else with Rory Bremner, Blackadder Goes Forth and Jack Dee’s Helpdesk.

“I enjoyed Blackadder, I was the one that shot the pigeon. I would like to do more because they are fun people to hang around with,’’ he said.

Jeremy was also guest host on Top of the Pops. “I made Bryan Adams angry with my Mountie joke,’’ he said.

Like many of today’s top comedians Jeremy had humble beginnings for his comedy, trying out at open mics around London.

“There were so few comedians then, French and Saunders, The Young Ones on the TV, and in stand-up there was Paul Merton and Mark Steel and then me - the brat pack of comedy.’’ Jeremy was also involved in a feature film alongside Burt Reynolds called Hotel. “It was an awful lot of fun. I have never seen it. It went straight to DVD.’’

Now Jeremy is back on the road and says that he has seen his first audience fight. “It was in Burton on Trent, there was a fight in the audience between two women, it was exciting, the first time I have had women fighting over me.’’

Jeremy is also an author with three books to his name including When Did You Last See Your Father, Jeremy Hardy Speaks to the Nation and My Family and Other Strangers.

Jeremy Hardy Live is performing at a sell-out gig at Swindon Arts Centre, Devizes Road Old Town on May 2. For more details of other shows visit www.swindontheatre.co.uk - Flicky Harrison