Does your favourite show not yet broadcast in HD? Does the Wi-Fi not reach your patio garden? Maybe your brand new car arrived in white when you specifically said ivory?
If you answered yes to all of these, it seems you’re a victim of ‘First World Problems’, the title of Salford-funny man Jason Manford’s new tour, kicking off August 20 at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
The tour stretches across Scotland, England and Wales, stopping by Manchester’s Phones4u arena on December 6 and 7.
So what is the title about? Manford explains: “I’d seen the phrase online and liked it; it just sums up so much – I think the phrase emphasises those times when we moan about the most trivial things.”
The comedian described his tour as ‘moaning about everyday life, but with punch lines’, but not all audience members are disheartened by the comic’s style of whiny banter – one reviewer stated: “I laughed until the tears rolled down my face!”
After a break from comedy to partake in –and win – ITV1’s talent competition Born To Shine, and later starring in the critically acclaimed West End production of Sweeney Todd, Manford is happy to be returning to his biggest love.
Jason joked: “Some of you might think I’ve had a career change, what with all the opera and musical theatre I’ve been doing lately. Not a chance.”
The Salford-born comic began his career aged 17, when he stepped in for a missing performer at Chorlton’s Buzz Comedy Club, where he was working collecting glasses at the time.
Nearly 14 years later, and Manford has risen to the very top of the Comedy ladder, appearing as a guest on popular shows like QI, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow as well as a team captain on Channel 4’s 8 Out Of 10 Cats.
“I’m excited to be getting back to what I really love the most – stand-up!” he said.
“It creates a communal feeling that you just can’t beat. You get all these people laughing and you think, ‘I did that!’ – if you make one person laugh in a day that’s great, imagine multiplying that by 10,000!”
Tickets are available from £22.50 at seetickets.com, or call Manchester Arena on 0844 847 8000.
Picture courtesy of The University of Salford Press Office via Flickr, with thanks.
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