THE audience at Friday's Harry Hill concert in Bolton need to beware -- the comic has admitted he has not got a clue what he is going to say.
But, the wacky comedian does at least concede: "I know what I'll start and finish with."
The comic, who trained as a doctor, but switched to a career in stand-up after what he describes as a "Road to Damascus moment" during a medical revue, continues: "A lot of the time on stage I'm thinking 'what's next?', and I come off stage asking 'what did I miss out?'"
However, Hill reveals it is that live buzz and unpredictability which he loves. He explained: "When it's going well there is nothing better. It is such tremendous fun. The great thing is, it's immediate. You don't have to rely on 20 other people -- there is no one telling you what to say."
"If I have an idea in the morning, I can be doing it in the evening. It's great to see people laughing there and then. I get the most fantastic enjoyment from playing to the crowd."
And he admits when his act is going well he can spiral off into the most uncharted territory.
One thing the Bolton audience can expect is Hill's trademark appearance -- the large glasses, huge-collared white shirt and tight suit festooned with badges and pens.
His ad libbed lines are also fast becoming legendary. One of his favourites is when he spots fellow bald members of the audience -- "was it the same for you sir?" he asks, "You just noticed it was taking longer and longer to wash your face?"
Hill appears at the Albert Hall tonight as part of his Wild Horses tour. And, the comedian says, he believes in giving true value for money. He said: "Stand-up these days tends to be just one bloke with a microphone, but for two hours that's too much. It's boring listening to your own voice droning on and on for that long. Comedians don't tend to tour with a band or props or personnel, but I do. It may be more expensive, but it's also much more fun."
And how does Hill describe his distinctive brand of humour? "I've been labelled as surreal. People have latched onto that tag because it's easier. But most of my comedy isn't surreal -- most of it is just silly."
In addition to his appearance at tonight's Bolton show, Hill returns to the area to appear at The Lowry on Friday April 4.
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