It’s curtains for Phil Cool…

With comedy series for both the BBC (Cool It) and ITV (Cool Head), Phil Cool and his legendary rubber face was the toast of television in the 90s.

Now, after forty years in the comedy business, Cool is calling it quits – with a farewell tour of the UK.

The 64-year-old, from Chorley, kicks off his Final Curtain Tour in Bolton on Friday 1 March, with a return to the Bolton Albert Halls theatre.

“I’ve done the Albert Halls probably about six times over the years,” says Cool.

“I love performing in theatres, I absolutely love it but it’s the travelling [that’s led Cool to retire]. I’m up and down like a yo yo, a human yo yo you might call me. And with the traffic being as bad now, it’s worse than it’s ever been.”

Cool is also coming to the North East for two dates in April; the Customs House, South Shields on Friday 12 April, and the Parish Hall, Barnard Castle for the first – and last – time on Saturday 27 April.

Peter Dixon, who organised the Barnard Castle date, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing Phil Cool to Teesdale as part of his Final Curtain Tour.

“Most of the other dates [on the tour] are theatres he performed at earlier in his career, so it’s extra special that he was able to include us in the itinerary.”

Dixon, who runs Funny Way To Be Comedy Club, added: “Our aim has always been to bring top quality comedians to our rural venue.

“We have always tried to vary the type of shows we put on to make sure that throughout a season we have something for everyone.”

Cool shot to fame in the 80s after being spotted by Jasper Carrott.

His final ever show is at the Broadstairs Memorial Theatre on Saturday 8 June.