Ross Noble: How to save cash on belts - and other mysteries

Geordie comedian Ross Noble, 26, has been doing stand-up since he was smuggled into his local comedy club at the age of 15. A favourite on the comedy circuit, he's currently touring the UK with his latest show 'Sonic Waffle', which was the biggest seller on the Edinburgh Fringe last year.

Hello Ross. How's the tour going?

According to plan, which is all you can ask for. That's not true actually. I could ask for a big felt hat.

You have said that you don't just wander on stage, you go on "a short caravanning holiday". What do you mean by that?

That's not exactly what I said, so I don't mean anything by it.

Go on, give us a taster – your favourite gag maybe?

Can't I just draw you a picture of a fat baby?

You take your tours abroad. Have you ever taken a leaf from Eddie Izzard's book and performed in the local lingo?

To be honest, no. I have always been amazed at the high standard of English spoken around the world. Eddie has challenged me to do a gig in Cantonese, which I may have a crack at.

You've been tagged "the new Billy Connolly". How do you feel about that?

Happier than if I'd been tagged "the new Brian Connelly".

You're making a new series of 'Ross Noble Goes Global' for Radio 4. What's the strangest thing that's ever happened to you in the places you've visited for the programme?

At one gig in the desert the stage was invaded by Bedouins.

Your tour ends in Newcastle, close to where you grew up. Is this just a coincidence or are you homesick?

A bit of both.

You always seem to be bursting with energy. Do you find it easy to get motivated for a performance?

There's nothing that motivates you more than seeing hundreds of people sat in the audience up for a laugh.

As well as working as a stand-up, you do Radio 4's 'Just a Minute', have been a captain on BBC1's 'Have I got News For You' and you have had your own radio show. Can life get any better?

Yes, I could grow little hands just above my hips. Think of the money you could save on belts...

'Sonic Waffle': Rothes Halls, Glenrothes (01592 611101), today; Forum Theatre, Billingham (01642 552663), Mon; Auditorium, Grimsby (01472 311311 / 0870 602 1161), Wed; Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe (01394 282126 / 0870 607 7580), Thur; tour continues to 17 March. For more details, visit www.rossnoble.co.uk