ALT: a man with curly hair stands in a hallway

YouTube video by QI

TikTok video by 13mtm80 Designs

In this in-depth interview, comedian and actor Alan Davies reflects on his life, career, and personal struggles as he approaches his 60s. He discusses his experiences in the 1990s stand-up comedy circuit, describing a period marked by heavy drinking, professional success, and the development of an inflated ego that came with sudden fame. While he recalls the excitement and camaraderie of the comedy scene, he also acknowledges episodes of excessive alcohol consumption and regrettable behaviour, which he now views with greater clarity and responsibility. Davies also revisits deeply personal aspects of his past, including childhood sexual abuse and the early death of his mother when he was six. He explains how these experiences contributed to long-term emotional difficulties, including anger, anxiety, and patterns of behaviour that affected his relationships. He credits therapy and writing his memoirs with helping him confront these issues, describing the process as a necessary form of reflection and emotional “sorting out”. His books, including his earlier autobiography and his more recent memoir, explore both trauma and his life in comedy, with the latter focusing on his years of success in television and stand-up. A significant part of the conversation centres on a recent health scare, when Davies experienced symptoms that led to a diagnosis of bladder cancer. He underwent surgery that successfully removed a tumour, and he describes the experience as a stark reminder of mortality and the importance of family life. Now a father of three, he reflects on parenting, relationships, and how his past continues to shape his present. Despite these challenges, he continues to perform, incorporating themes of trauma, recovery, and honesty into his stand-up, aiming to balance humour with candid reflection on his life experiences.

Full moon, half-moon, total eclipse. What happens when we look up and the moon is missing?

Review of Alan Davies – Think Ahead written by Louise Cannon – Bookmarks and Stages ★★★★★ Alan Davies, most famous for playing Jonathan Creek and for being in every series of QI. He als…