Comedian Paul Chowdhry talks Scouse heckles and memorable nights ahead of Liverpool performance

Comedian Paul Chowdhry is set to head out on his extended Family-Friendly Comedian tour following a sold out run last year. The extended tour kicks off at the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool on Wednesday, March 2.

Chowdhry has been touring since the late 90s, and has built a reputation up as one of the best and funniest comedians currently out there, appearing on popular TV shows such as Taskmaster.

Since his stand-up career started, the 47-year-old has won a host of awards. His record-breaking stand-up show of ‘Live Innit’ was extended three times nationwide, including five nights at the iconic Hammersmith Apollo and won Best Live Event 2018 at the ITV Asian Media Awards.

In more recent times, he has branched out into acting, and starred alongside Patrick Dempsey in the Sky Atlantic TV series Devils.

The series Devils isn’t the only time the comedian has dipped his toe into the acting pool, as he played a restaurant owner in the Disney film Cruella, coming face-to-face with Oscar-winning actress Emma Stone, taking to Twitter to confirm his cameo in the film.

His filmography list is already fairly lengthy dating back to The Colour of Funny in 1999, and will presumably grow.

Chowdhry has also launched his own podcast titled ‘The Paul Chowdhry PudCast’, where he chats to a number of famous faces including comedians Russell Howard, Simon Brodkin, Lucy Beaumont and more.

Ahead of the start of his extended tour, the comedian spoke with LiverpoolWorld and discussed his favourite memory from performing in Liverpool, what he likes to do when in Liverpool, highlights from past performances in the city and revealed if he had been heckled there.

Chowdhry said: “My favourite part about performing in Liverpool is that the audience members think they’re funnier than the comedians on stage.

“So, you could always get a good few minutes out of the audience - they will come with their own material. Just great.”

The Scouse heckle

Getting heckled as a comedian is expected. Video clips of the likes of Jimmy Carr getting heckled have gone viral, and quick, on the spot responses really separate the good and the great comedians of our time.

Chowdry is certainly expecting it at the Philharmonic Hall. “If you don’t get heckled while performing in Liverpool, you’re not in Liverpool,” he said.

There’s one night in particular that the 47-year-old remembers on Merseyside.

“The last time I was there it was maybe four years ago so I remember it being a lengthy show because of all the heckles and what happened,” Chowdry recalls.

“People were getting involved and so it was a very memorable show.

“I don’t think it’s going to be that different this time, except it’s a brand new show, but there are bound to be hecklers there - so I would say it could be a long night. It could go the full 12 rounds.”

When he not on stage, Chowdry likes to explore hist host city and when in Liverpool a trip to Anfield is always on the agenda.

“Yeah, go to the football ground - you know my family are all Liverpool fans. So that kind of comes with the territory.”

Chowdry is in Liverpool for just one night only and after Liverpool, he will perform in Nottingham before going onto places such as London, Glasgow, Manchester, Reading, Birmingham and more.

Tickets for the performance next Tuesday can be found here.