He has a quarter of a century’s worth of experience in cheeky chortles and hearty laughs, yet the creative spark for creasing up still flickers brightly for Jason Manford, especially as he prepares for his 2024 tour.
From Salford to Stand-Up Stardom
It’s easy to see why Jason Manford is such an iconic figure in British comedy. Hailing from Salford, his journey – like most jobbing comedians – began by performing stand-up in local clubs. “There’s no tougher crowd than a geezer on 10 pints in the front row who’s just had a row with his missus,” he laughs.
Manford’s career accelerated thanks to the comedian’s unrelenting commitment to the comedy circuit from the turn of the Millennium, which saw him win a raft of regional awards before first landing TV work in 2007.
High-Profile Performances and TV Appearances
High-profile live performances followed (notably appearances at the Manchester Apollo and O2 Arena), cementing his reputation as one of the funniest men in comedy and making him a must-see at any venue.
Then there have been acting roles, in the likes of Scarborough, Death in Paradise and, most recently, Waterloo Road; plus panel show appearances (8 Out of 10 Cats and QI to name but two), and presenting duties including The One Show, The National Lottery and Eurovision. He’s also cultivated an extensive career on stage in musical theatre and pantomimes.
A Healthy Work-Life Balance
“I’ve always gone after every opportunity,” he says. “It’s just who I am. I’ve always been keen to establish a healthy work/life balance though, and the good thing about the telly stuff, like Waterloo Road, is you will record a huge batch in one go, whereby the work is condensed into a few days, or weeks.
“Then, when it’s shown, it looks like you’re always busy!” he laughs.
The Love of Stand-Up
While a diverse range of projects is central to the Manford mantra, the 43-year-old’s bread and butter remains standing on a stage making people laugh. It’s a passion that remains unwavering, even after so long in the business.
“I love it. And the routine is never the same twice.
“There are always little tweaks, topical adjustments, and of course different audience reactions that you can jump on.
“Interaction with the crowd has always been a big thing for me – it’s the drug that keeps you coming back a lot of the time.”
Upcoming UK Tour
Manford is back out on the road this year with a UK tour begins on November 6th at New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion, ending at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford in February 2025.
And the secret to a career that’s now almost a quarter of a century in the making? “Laughing at yourself!” he fires back. “If you can poke fun at your own faults and shortcomings, that gives you a bit more licence to do it to others!”
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