Ian Stone is kicking off his first UK national tour with his acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe 2024 show, ‘Ian Stone is Keeping it Together’ in Leicester at Firebug on 13 September.
Ian IS keeping it all together, but only just. It’s hard to keep it together when flipping between rating your parking experiences and package deliveries, to hearing about Donald Trump and the war in the Middle East.
A prolific broadcaster and author, Ian has become a huge hit on the comedy circuit. We caught up with him ahead of his new tour to find out what we can expect from the show, and what his favourite thing is about Leicester.
How would you describe your comedy style to someone who hasn’t seen you before?
I go on stage and gripe about the world and my place in it and I share my feelings. I’m a Jewish boy so it comes quite easily to me. In Yiddish, it would be called kvetching. Essentially, it’s funny complaining.
What can the audience expect from the new tour?
It’s a show called Ian Stone is Keeping it Together. It’s me talking about how i’m trying to Keep it Together and how much effort it takes. It contains jokes, stories embellished for comic effect, a small amount of dancing (honestly), funny opinions, and ad libs as and when required. I took a shortened version to the Edinburgh fringe. It got great reviews and people came. I cannot tell you how rare it is for a performer to be able to type that last sentence.
What is your favourite thing about playing in Leicester?
Kayal curry house on Granby Street. Last time I came to Leicester, I had a fish curry that may be the single greatest thing I’ve ever eaten.
Who is the best comedian you’ve ever gigged with?
I’ve been lucky enough to work with loads of great comics but I’d have to say Sean Lock. I did a lot of gigs with him when we were starting out and I loved watching him work. So intelligent, so committed to the ideas. He used to do a bit about how the Pope was full of sweets that made me howl with laughter. I still watch the 8 out of 10 Cats clips on Youtube. Watch ‘Rectum of the Year’. I think it’s the funniest thing I’ve seen on TV.
You’re also a big football fan and host an Arsenal fan podcast – what’s your prediction as Arsenal welcome Leicester to the Emirates later this month?
Honestly, I think we’ll win 3 or 4-0 but if you’re reading this and you’re a genuine die-hard Leicester fan and you’re thinking of coming to the gig depending on how generous I am about your team, I’ll say you could nick a draw.
What’s the best thing about performing live as a comedian?
My parents took their eye off the ball when it came to emotional support for their children and the adulation and praise I get from total strangers on a nightly basis goes some way to filling the aching void. It also gets me out of the house.
How can people keep up to date with what you’re up to?
I regularly post clips on instagram and Tik Tok You can find me at @ianstonecomedy.
For details of what i’m up to, www.ianstonecomedian.co.uk has all the information you need.
Ian Stone performs at Firebug on Friday 13 September. Tickets are priced at £15 and available online HERE.