Max Boyce returns to Venue Cymru with comedy show

Oct 2 2008 By David Simister

Max Boyce

LLANDUDNO looks set for laughter next month when a Welsh comedy wonder returns for his first performance in the town for over four years.

Rugby-loving legend Max Boyce will return to Venue Cymru on Sunday, October 19 for an evening of entertainment, and says the town has played an historic part in his decades of stand- up success.

"I’ve been playing in Llandudno since the early days in 1974 and can always say I’ve had a great welcome there," he said.

"When the theatre originally opened I was in the first Christmas pantomime it staged, playing Jack in the pantomime of Jack and the Beanstalk. I’ve been playing in the town for over 30 years and love its theatre, so I’m really looking forward to coming back after so many years away."

Max, grew up in Glynneath, West Glamorgan and his act draws on both his passion for rugby and growing up in the mining communities of South Wales. The performer says that even after over 35 years of comedy success he still gets nervous before performances.

"I still get nervous before every single show, and I think it’s something I draw upon to help my performances. It’s much easier now than in the early days because you know that the venue is going to be packed with people who are fans, but everybody gets nervous. If you don’t, it means you probably don’t care about your audience."

The 63-year-old comedian, who can lay claim to selling over two million albums worldwide and hosting a series of successful stand-up tours and TV shows, says he is delighted he is still able to fill venues across the world, but admires many of the newer crop of comedians who have followed in his wake.

"Peter Kay in particular is very much like how I was in the earlier days, with a focus on lots of observational humour, and someone who’s very refreshing to watch," he said.

"All good comedians have to strive for originality, because you’re constantly being scrutinised by the barometer of laughter. In most shows people will laugh politely but in comedy, you’ve really got to give it your all"

Max Boyce will be performing at 7.30pm at Venue Cymru, on Sunday, October 19. Tickets are priced £19.50 and £21.50. For more information contact 01492 872000 or visit www.venuecymru.co.uk