After 40 years in the industry, you would imagine Brian Conley would be winding down but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The 52-year-old is as hungry as ever to perform on stage.

The comedian is set to star in An Evening with Brian Conley, which the former Oliver! and Hairspray star describes as a “potpourri of entertainment“.

Conley will be doing his usual cheeky brand of comedy, touching on some of his previous characters and performing a few numbers from his West End experience. 

"It’s going to be a fun night packed with comedy and I think where we are in the world it’s nice to have a good laugh. Laughter is the greatest medicine unless, of course, you’re a diabetic, then it’s probably insulin.

“If someone wants a bit of escapism I’d advise them to come along. It’s not reflection, it’s not me talking about my career, it’s just you and me and we’re going to have a laugh.“

Brian, who is now entering his 40th year in show business, says: “I’m very lucky, I’m doing something I’ve always enjoyed – it’s a vocation, it chose me.

“I’m terrible, I’ll go on holiday and enter a talent competition. I did once and came third – a little kid beat me doing Frank Spencer!“

Speaking to Conley you can really feel his passion for live comedy and entertainment – performing live is where he developed his trade.

“I’ve always enjoyed it and enjoyed all the different aspects but without a doubt being live is where it’s at for me. I enjoyed television, but for me ‘live’ is where it’s at.“

After a hugely successful career, Conley is accustomed to having his usual catchphrases thrown at him and being instantly recognised – not always correctly.

“These days everyone thinks I’m Bradley Walsh. I’ll be walking along and people go ‘I love you in The Chase!’ I think when we’re put together though, you can see that obviously I’m much better looking than Brad.“

Today though, Brian never escapes the catchphrases of characters Dangerous Brian and Nick ‘It’s a puppet’ Frisbee, created on his own Saturday night TV show.

Does it annoy him?

“No not at all, I get “It’s a puppet“ right from the off. I’m very grateful because not many people have a catchphrase. Was it planned? No, it just happened, but I suppose that’s what catchphrases are. They just happen and it’s the audience that latch on to them.“