Tiernan Douieb gets political
What do you think about opinions? Tiernan Douieb admits he isn’t sure, even though everyone else is keen to shout theirs at him.
Tiernan Douieb has been doing stand-up for a little while now.
Most people will tell you he’s one of the UK’s top comperes (our friends at the British Comedy Guide describe him as “a hugely engaging onstage presence”), but in the past few years he has become an increasingly-eclectic comedian.
Having dipped his toes into everything from kids’ comedy to organising the first ever Twitter Comedy Club, where Tiernan gigged in his pajamas while drinking a Cup A Soup, Douieb is ready to hit the road on his first ever stand-up tour.
It’s about opinions – and why he’s starting to think that it’s best not to have any at all.
“There’s not much call for political but friendly comedy on television, which is a shame as that’s mainly what I do now,” Tiernan tells me.
“I make a point of the show not being ranty, shouty stuff. It’s just… I am an idiot when it comes to worldly matters, but a lot of what’s happening in the country (and abroad) upsets me at the moment and I want to do comedy about it in a way that I understand.”
Taking inspiration from Josie Long and Robin Ince’s inclusive political schtick, and a couple of successful test shows in Liverpool and London, Tiernan has arranged 15 dates at comedy venues across the UK.
Starting on 31 January in Exeter, Douieb visits Newcastle, Eaglescliffe, Darlington and Leeds amongst others in February. The mini-tour ends at The Lowry in Salford on 18 June.
“I’m mostly doing small, intimate venues that have been recommended to me by my Twitter and Facebook followers as places that really seem to care about comedy,” he said.
“It’s a whole new hour – and a bit – all about the world being a very noisy place, and I’m excited about not just constricting an hour to the Edinburgh Fringe anymore.”
Tiernan isn’t coming alone. Political stand-up Chris Coltrane is supporting him for some of the tour and he’s doing a double header with bearded chum Keith Farnan for the others, so audiences will get their money’s worth.
All in all, it’s definitely worth a look in if Tiernan’s coming to a town near you. Just leave your opinions at the door.
Tiernan Douieb is touring the UK from Friday 31 January 2014. Tickets are from £5. Click for full tour dates and ticket information.
