Win tickets to see top comic Dave Spikey return to his stand-up roots (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Win tickets to see Dave Spikey in hilarious comedy show at St Helens Theatre Royal

9:28am Thursday 26th January 2012 in Win! By Nicola Ellison

Special interview by NICOLA ELLISON

NORTHERN funnyman Dave Spikey is to visit St Helens next month with his Words Don’t Come Easy tour.

The double British Comedy Award winner comes to the Theatre Royal on Saturday, February 18, to showcase his hilarious new material, which focuses on situations in life where words don’t come easy.

“I came up with the title because the core of the show is the use and abuse of the English language,” said Dave.

The two-hour show will explore the quirks of language, from the funny things your grandma says to politicians, parents trying to explain the facts of life, daft song lyrics and the impact of ‘text speak’.

The comic has enjoyed a successful TV career, appearing in panel shows such as 8 Out of Ten Cats, and his hugely popular collaboration with Peter Kay in Phoenix Nights.

However Dave loves to take advantage of the opportunity to return to his stand-up roots, and is particularly looking forward to returning to the Theatre Royal, which will be the first show on his home patch in the north west.

Dave said: “I love touring, and I think it’s what I do best. I particularly love doing the northern dates as it feels like coming home.”

Having performed 60 dates of the tour in 2011, the show went down such a storm he decided to add a further 19 dates in 2012.

As well as telling some of the most popular jokes from the last tour he intends to drip-feed the audience some new material ‘to keep things fresh’.

For Dave the show also offers an opportunity for people to forget their troubles and laugh at some of the lighter aspects of life at a time when many people are experiencing the effects of the world’s economic problems.

He said: “In these dark times of deep recession laughter has never been more important. People in the north west are brilliant at looking on the bright side of life – if the cup’s half empty they get a smaller cup!

“So I’d like to invite all the people of St Helens to come and have a laugh with me at the Theatre Royal.”

Tickets are £18, and £17 for concessions. To order visit sthelenstheatreroyal.com or ring 01744 756000.

Eight lucky Star readers will be there on the night to enjoy Dave’s hilarious brand of humour.

TO be in with a chance of winning one of four pairs of tickets answer the following question.

Name the hit TV show Dave Spikey worked with Peter Kay on.

Send your answer to, Dave Spikey competition, at news@sthelensstar.co.uk Entries must contain your details and a daytime phone number.

The closing date for entries is Thursday, February 9. The winners of the tickets will be notified. Usual Newsquest rules apply click here for full list.