...and the poster artwork

Ricky Gervais has announced the title of his next world tour and Netflix special: Mortality.

The posters have also been revealed for the show, which will tour arenas from later this year until the end of 2025, although no dates have yet been announced.

On the theme of the new show, Gervais said, ‘We’re all gonna die. May as well have a laugh about it. Mortality looks at the absurdities of life. And death. Bring it on.’

The comic has already done 50 work-in-progress shows, with a new batch going on sale at 10am tomorrow. Ricky Gervais tour dates.

Gervais’s last show, Armageddon, set a record for the most money netted for an individual stand-up performance last year, when his gig at the Hollywood Bowl took £1.4million at the box office. 

Netflix also pays Gervais around $20million for each special he records for them, with Armageddon one of the most-watched shows on the platform to launch last year.

However it was not loved by critics who generally felt he was pressing anti-woke buttons rather than writing great jokes - not charities who objected to his use of the r-word.

The Independent said: ‘Gervais’s jokes, which mock illegal immigrants, homeless people, trans people and more, are the sort of opinions that, far from getting you cancelled, are likely to be vote winners at the ballot box.’

The Telegraph said: ‘Gervais is competent enough – I chuckled once or twice – but there’s nothing to surprise anyone here.’

And Variety concluded: ‘Ricky Gervais’ new Netflix special Armageddon tries so hard to be edgy and offensive — but it’s just a total bore.’

However it also won the  Golden Globe for best stand-up special – as voted for by journalists who are members  of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

Published: 27 Jun 2024