The lone Lee road
Stewart's first solo tour
Stewart Lee is to embark on his first solo UK tour, after more than 15 years in comedy.
He has previously only toured with his former double-act partner Richard Herring, and confined his solo stand-up shows to the Edinburgh Fringe and other limited engagements.
He virtually gave up on stand-up altogether two years ago, complaining it offered no new challenges, and became involved in Jerry Springer – The Opera instead.
But now he has announced 27 dates in comedy clubs around the UK, starting in late January, performing the show that won him a Tapwater Award – set up to rival the Perrier – at Edinburgh.
He will also be appearing at the HBO Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado, in February – a major showcase favoured by Hollywood TV executives.
A spokesman at Lee’s agents Avalon said: “Stewart returns to stand up in search of clarity, self-respect and immediate sensual and intellectual gratification.
“The tour visits mainly established comedy rooms throughout the UK, rather than theatres, so as to maintain the intimate atmosphere from the Edinburgh run all over the country - and also because, despite all this acclaim, most people outside of comedy fandom’s inner circle don’t really know who Stewart Lee is anyway.”
On many of the dates, Lee will be supported by Josie Long, “his favourite new act”.
Published: 13 Dec 2004
