Comedian Arthur coming to town (From Chelmsford Weekly News)

Comedian Arthur coming to town

7:30am Thursday 14th February 2013 in News

ONE of TV’s Grumpy Old Men is coming to Chelmsford on Saturday to tell jokes, read poems and talk about his life.

Arthur Smith, who became a popular figure during the alternative comedy movement’s beginnings in the late 70s, will be performing at the Civic Theatre, in Fairfield Road, as part of his UK tour.

Smith has made numerous TV appearances including on QI, Have I Got News For You and Grumpy Old Men and also written books including his critically praised memoirs My Name is Daphne Fairfax.

He said the evening will feature plenty of jokes along with recitals from his books.

“The show is about me, you, life, death and love,” Smith said. “There will be lots of stand-up along with some chat about my life, some poerty recitals and even an appearance from Leonard Cohen – well, me pretending to be Leonard Cohen.”

The 58-year-old’s life has seen him have a scrape with death after suffering pancreatitis ten years ago, which led to him becoming teetotal.

He has also pulled off some funny stunts, including singing naked in Balham High Street after losing a bet with friend and fellow comedian Tony Hawks.

Smith said: “I bet Tony while we were watching a football match that if he played all the Moldovan national team at tennis and beat them, then I would sing their national anthem stark naked in Balham.

"He did beat them all, so I was forced to stand outside Boots in Balham High Street and sing what I thought was the national anthem in the nude, before finding out I had actually sung a Moldavian pop song.”

Talking about Saturday, Smith said he was looking forward to performing in Chelmsford.

He said: “I grew up in London, but I am a big Essex man at heart and would call myself a “post-modern Essexist”.

“This is because, although I didn’t grow up here, I feel I should be from Essex as my sensibilities are similar to what you’d call an Essex man and I admire a lot of people who came from the county.”

Also on the bill for Saturday is stand-up comedian Paul Adams. To book tickets, call 01245 606505.