Live Comedy...there's nothing pointless about that!

Known to millions for presenting BBC One’s quiz show Pointless, Alexander Armstrong is now returning to his first love of live comedy, with shows in Ipswich and King’s Lynn. Interview by James Rampton

-  James Rampton

Renaissance Man is a title that sits very comfortably on Alexander Armstrong’s shoulders. He’s had successful careers in acting, singing and presenting.

But now he is returning to his first love: live comedy.

Alexander comes to Ipswich Corn Exchange on November 14 and King’s Lynn Corn Exchange on November 23 with his new standup show, All Mouth and Some Trousers.

The performer, who has a huge following from Pointless, his BBC One daily quiz show, is looking forward to reviving his overriding passion for stand-up.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve performed comedy, as all sorts of other things have sprung up since we stopped doing Armstrong and Miller in 2010, Pointless being the big one.

“But live comedy is where my roots lie. It is where I come from, and it’s still my great love. I’m so excited to be coming back to it.”

Alexander, who, since they met in the early 1990s, has had an enormously fruitful double act with his close friend and fellow comedian Ben Miller, says he is thrilled to be returning to the sheer buzz of live comedy.

He relishes the spontaneity of stand-up and the fact that every night on the road is different.

“I guess you’ve laid the tracks that your train of thought might run on, but you’ve got different passengers on board every night. Each show is a totally different experience, which depends entirely on the audience. As long as you’re not glued to a script, on any night you will go along with what that particular audience is enjoying. I love that about stand-up.”

Alexander has also provided voices for many children’s animations, including Danger Mouse, Peppa Pig and Hey Duggee.