Comedy: Billy Connolly – The Man Alive

The Big Yin returns to the Brighton Centre with a new show, but the same classic beard

Billy Connolly is one of the most successful British comics of the 20th and 21st century, with DVDs, albums and various recordings winning awards, accolades and praise since he first started stand-up four decades ago. Known for his wild flights of fancy, personal anecdotes, and unpredictable whimsy, this tour has already seen controversy as he took exception to hecklers and made his disapproval known. Fair enough, he’s paid his dues with club nights, as a man in his sixties who could be drawing a state pension, he’s definitely earned the right to attention when others are paying over thirty quid (more than double that online) a ticket. And he does know his craft.

Delivering a full on show filled with humour, wit and off the wall thinking, this is what Billy Connolly does best, despite his BAFTA-nominated acting, travel presenting, humanitarian activities and book writing talents pulling him elsewhere from time to time. He’s in town for two nights so there’s no excuse for missing this living legend of comedy, before he’s had enough of it all and only comes out of retirement and onto the road to raise the funds to pay his tax bill (or some such other necessity, not mentioning John Cleese’s divorce settlement tour). So while he’s still willing and we’re still able, this is a class treat for comedy fans.

Billy Connolly – The Man Alive, Brighton Centre, Thurs 15–Fri 16 March, 8pm, £35, www.brightoncentre.co.uk