Chatting with Rhys James…

More Out & About

St Alban's Comedy Garden returns to Verulamium Park, 26th - 30th July with the best names in comedy plus craft beers, street eats and more. You are currently on tour, what has been your highlight?

I got chatting to a man in the audience in Hull. A pretty normal chat about new years resolutions, which was interrupted by his girlfriend yelling "Ask him his name... it's Alan Key." Very tough to move back into the show after a revelation like that. All the classics followed: Do you have lots of brothers and sisters all different sizes? Is one of them called Mark? etc. etc.

If you had to describe your comedy act in a sentence, what would it be?

Unlikely to thrive on Britain's Got Talent. If you could become a double act with another comedian, who would it be?

Logically you're thinking Romesh - he gets a LOT of TV shows. But maybe Ed Gamble and I should just fully commit to the 'could be brothers' bit and lean into a Succession style power pursuit.

What excites you about the comedy festivals?

Usually the catering is sensational.

Have you got anything else exciting in progress?

Well my tour resumes in Autumn, but let's put it this way: I just decided to take up golf. That's not really a "I've got a quick 10 minutes free" activity

What advice would you give someone trying to start stand-up?

Gig as much as possible. Go out and watch as much comedy as possible. Have conviction in your ideas and don't play to 'the back of the room' (other comics). Get a portable clothes steamer. Lint roll. Buy tickets to my tour.

Where would you like to do stand-up where you haven’t before?

The U S of A, baby! Somehow I've never been there to do comedy. I think my style would be really disarming over there and it would be good to see if that is a good thing or a horrifying thing.

If you could appear on any TV show, what would it be?

Would love to be in the Question Time audience dressed as Where's Wally to see how Fiona Bruce described me when selecting me to ask a question. Book your tickets for St Albans Comedy Garden now www.stalbanscomedygarden.co.uk

Time to Get Fit

Triathlons & Trails

Hitchin Triathlon 2nd July 6.30am

There's the choice of a Sprint and Nitro event, with beautiful countryside surroundings too.

Hitchin Swimming Centre SG5 1HA, UK

Dunstable Downs Trail Half

16th July 10.15am

An off-road half marathon on the stunning trails of the Downs, with some slight undulation, this is a great run for those branching out into this trail distance. £30 - 32

Dunstable Downs, Whipsnade LU6 2GY, UK

Chess Valley Train to Trails - The Chilterns

22nd July 9pm

Enjoy a 14 mile guided run with picturesque lake views, this is the perfect opportunity to try out a new distance or to try trail running. £20

Chesham HP5 1DB

Tri Nitro - Race Two 26th July 6.30pm £20

A stripped down version of your typical weekend triathlons, come for a budget friendly event.

Hitchin Swimming Centre SG5 1HA, UK www.letsdothis.com

The Hospice of St Francis

Hospice Golf Days

4th Aug Stocks, Aldbury

6th Sept Ashridge, Berkhamsted

Grab a team for a fun-filled day of golf

Edinburgh 7 Challenge

22nd - 24th Sept

A marathon distance with views of Edinburgh from the 7 highest viewpoints around the city. www.stfrancis.org.uk

Skydive

9th Sept closing date 21st July

To take part in this adrenaline filled, bucket list experience and raise funds for The AT Society, just email sally@atsoicety.org.uk

The AT Society supports people living with the disabling and life-limiting condition ataxia telangiectasia and funds research to find a cure. www.atsociety.org.uk