Lee Evans

Lee Evans

Date of birth: 25-02-1964

Lee was exposed to the demands of showbiz at an early age. His father, entertainer Dave Evans, still performs at clubs and pier ends. As he says: "My brother and I grew up in digs, theatres and clubs. We used to sit in the back of the car or be stuck backstage taking to dancers while Dad was doing his act."

After a spell as a boxer, and two years at art school in Essex, Lee decided to follow in his father's footsteps. The first four years were spent touring working men's clubs, the next five on the alternative circuit. Like a lot of now-established comics, his break came in 1988 at the Edinburgh Festival.

Read More

Lee Evans comes out of retirement

To star in a Harold Pinter play

Lee Evans  is coming out of retirement to star in one of Harold Pinter’s one-act plays.

The comedian said he was quitting live performance four years ago, at the age of 50, to spend more time with his family – despite being one of the UK's most successful arena stand-ups.

However, he has now announced that he will take part in a West End season celebrating the work of the legendary playwright.

He will perform Monologue, which Pinter wrote for the BBC in 1973, and which has his character sitting along and addressing an absent friend, their close relationship having been pulled apart by a woman many years ago.

The show will run for 23 performances at the Pinter Theatre from October 25 to December 8.

Evans will also be performing a selection of Pinter’s comedy sketches as part of the same evening, including the classic Apart From That alongside Goodness Gracious Me star Meera Syal.

Evans previously performed Pinter’s work in 2007 when he played the hitman Gus in The Dumb Waiter at Trafalgar Studios.

He said: ‘Working with Harold Pinter was one of the most incredibly exciting experiences of my life.

‘Of course, I found Harold to be, along with his incredible wife Antonia, two of the most generous, kind and considerate people one could ever wish to meet; a couple so desperately keen to pass on anything they could to encourage and help young actors and directors, no matter who, what or where you might be from. It didn’t matter to Harold - the most important thing to him was the work. 

‘Most of all, Harold loved it when his work allowed you, the performer, to shine. Thanks, Harold - my hero.’

Evans’s shows are part of the Pinter At The Pinter season, bringing all of the playwright’s one-act plays to the theatre that bears his name. The season takes place over 24 weeks from September 6 and marks the 10th anniversary of Pinter’s death.

Other actors taking part include Keith Allen, Tamsin Greig, Danny Dyer, Martin Freeman and Jane Horrocks.

Read More

Published: 15 Aug 2018

Funny face | The perfect face for comedy

Funny face

This is the perfect face for comedy, scientists claim.A…
10/11/2006

On the House | Win Rik Mayall DVDs

On the House

The complete series of both The New Statesman and Rik…
24/09/2006

Pretty Polly | Evans goes straight in new ITV1 drama

Pretty Polly

Lee Evans is to star in a new two-hour ITV1 period…
30/08/2006

The jokes on us

A new DVD, filmed over 23 years of Montreal’s…
26/05/2006

Vote of confidence

Peter Kay has topped yet another poll to find the funniest…
23/05/2006

Low-key Lee

Lee Evans has announced eight low-key gigs next month…
7/04/2006

Atlantic crossing

British and Irish stand-ups are mounting a new assault…
3/03/2006

Lee's No 1

Lee Evans has taken the Christmas No 1 for DVD sales…
26/12/2005

Hear here!

Comedy record label Sound Entertainment have launched…
13/12/2005

Skip to page

Agent

We do not currently hold contact details for Lee Evans's agent. If you are a comic or agent wanting your details to appear here, for a one-off fee of £59, email steve@chortle.co.uk.

We see you are using AdBlocker software. Chortle relies on advertisers to fund this website so it’s free for you, so we would ask that you disable it for this site. Our ads are non-intrusive and relevant. Help keep Chortle viable.