Says millionaire Billy Connolly

Comedy goes down better when life is hard, according to Billy Connolly.

He said the best audiences are often found where people have to struggle.

His comments came as he visited Belfast for his new show Billy Connolly's World Tour Of England, Ireland And Wales.

He said: "I've never felt afraid or abandoned in Belfast. The people here are just like the people I was brought up with.

"And they are a very good audience. I find that where life is hard, comedy does quite well."

Billy was most impressed by the murals depicting the Troubles in both Loyalist and Republican areas of the city.

"I hope these paintings are all recorded for posterity, because it's an amazing statement," he said. "When all this is over, as it will be eventually, I think this mural thing should carry on. People should live among murals all the time."

Published: 23 Feb 2002