NationalExpressSummer2017 - 67

REAL LIFE

Stand up for Tom

WORDS: James Gill, Suzanne Baum PHOTOGRAPHY: Will Ireland GROOMING: Rosie Kor

CO M E D I A N TO M A L L E N TA L K S A B O U T L I F E O N T H E
ROAD, SIGHTSEEING AND, ER, FLEET SERVICES?

It's taken Tom Allen 12 years to
become an overnight success.
The 33-year-old stand-up
has exploded on to the public
consciousness in recent months,
thanks to Live At The Apollo,
8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown,
The John Bishop Show and more.
While Tom is naturally imbued
with 'funny', those catty quips,
razor-sharp observations and
withering glares have been honed
by hundreds of performances.
Few comedians have chalked
up as many road miles as this
new king of catty camp. 'I don't
mean to brag, but I've seen a lot
of motorway service stations,'
he beams. 'I love being on the
road, especially as I've just passed
my driving test. My dad is a coach
driver, so we often went on coach
holidays when I was growing up
- and it's a bit like that.
'Did you know Stockport has
a hat museum? And I visited
Ironbridge on a school trip once.
It was boring - it's just a bridge.
But it's nice to know it hasn't
changed in all those years.'

A diva?

But has Tom changed? After
all, two years ago he was a relative
unknown; now he's one of the
hottest names in British comedy.
Has he become a diva? Will he now

demand piping-hot café lattes
from terrified TV execs?
'Oh no, I'm still just the
same humble boy from a
comprehensive in suburban
Bromley. But I never drink
lattes - you should
know this by now. And
where's my Nando's?
How can I do this
interview if there
isn't a Nando's?
And bring me some
puppies to stroke.
Then just get out!'

BA L D
FAC T
'For a long
time I was
in denial
about my
sexuality
and about
being bald
- I had both
a wig and
a beard.'

Laughter

It's hard to speak when
your stomach is hurting
from laughter, but that's the
effect Tom has. So, what now?
'I've recorded a new 8 Out
Of 10 Cats Does Countdown
and also Chris Ramsey's Stand
Up Central. As for some hot
gossip: none, I'm afraid. I had a
disappointing croissant at Fleet
services: does that count? Oh,
and I'm starting my first
solo tour this autumn.
Yes, come to that, you
should come to that!'
Tom Allen will be appearing
at the Edinburgh Fringe:
Pleasance Theatre,
8pm from 2-27 August. 

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