Candid, deliciously camp and straight-talking, David Walliams is one of the world’s top comedic icons.
In a career spanning almost three decades, the British-born performer has notched up an enviable résumé, one that has seen him become a successful actor, high profile TV presenter – with judge roles on both Britain’s Got Talent and Australia’s Got Talent – AND bestselling children’s author.
But it’s his comic creations from both Little Britain and Come Fly With Me that have truly seen him become an indelible part of global pop culture.
However, amid the legacy of iconic skits and hyperbole, his impressive TV back catalogue has made headlines around the world recently for less than positive reasons after Little Britain was “cancelled” amid accusations of the show being “racist” and “inappropriate”.
The allegations culminated in the show being removed from several streaming services.
COMING TO TOWN
“Someone somewhere will always not like something you’ve said or done and if you thought about that all day, you’d drive yourself crazy,” the star tells Woman’s Day about the criticism. “I personally LOVE being shocked and I think most other people do too.”
And shocks are in store for fans when the multi-award-winning comedian comes to Australia later this year to debut his brand new “outrageously cheeky” stage show, An Audience With David Walliams.
“The show is like an autobiography, so it will tell my story from childhood to the present day,” explains the 52-year-old. “There will be lots of stories that people haven’t heard before from my early life and stories that take us behind the scenes from the hit shows that I’ve been lucky to be a part of.
“Some very naughty stories about the famous people I’ve met over the years – I’ll take no prisoners! Like the time I flirted outrageously with James Bond himself, Roger Moore.”
BARING ALL
While clearly very comfortable performing, given that the material in this show is taken directly from his own life, will the comedian be nervous revealing stories that have – until now – been untold?
“As you’re revealing something intimate about yourself, even though it’s a funny story, it’s very different to if you’re playing a character… so yes, I will feel a bit vulnerable.
“I’m imagining people want to get to know the real me so it’s important to be as honest and open as possible.”
The Brit has previously said that “audiences Down Under are the best” and he’s quick to affirm that his brand of comedy resonates particularly well with Aussies.
“People from Australia and New Zealand have a rebellious spirit and are not easily shocked,” says David. “So shows like Little Britain and Come Fly With Me have the most loyal audiences here. My favourite comedian of all time is Barry Humphries, so his influence on me will always be there.”
Created with comedy partner Matt Lucas, Little Britain hit our TV screens back in 2003 and went on to win a string of awards.
“The show is still famous around the world and is being watched by a new generation of fans, so I feel it’s still very alive for people and a little bit of controversy is no bad thing,” says David.
The small-screen juggernaut spawned iconic characters, such as Vicky Pollard, cross-dresser Emily Howard, and “only gay in the village”, Dafydd Thomas. And, just as fans have their own personal favourites, David has his.
“Carol Beer, the ‘Computer says no’ character,” he says. “Twenty years later and it still resonates with people.”
However, recent reports that David and Matt are working on a Little Britain reboot aren’t true.
“The press made that up. But we are writing a new show together with brand new characters and a brand new situation, so we can get cancelled all over again!” he shares.
Not content with having two of the most popular comedy sketch shows ever created under his belt, David has gone on to become one of the world’s most popular children’s authors. In fact, he’s spent more weeks at number one in the children’s charts than any other author – Roald Dahl included!
“None of that feels real,” he says. “What does feel real is when a child comes up to you and says that they’ve read one of my books and it’s meant something to them – that’s the best reward.”
While he’s busier than ever juggling his many “hats”, when quizzed about ageing, he has a sage-like approach.
“I feel very lucky that I’ve had success in my career and I love being a dad [to 11-year-old son Alfred, with ex-wife Lara Stone], so I don’t worry about getting older,” he says contentedly.
“If I hadn’t achieved the things I wanted to by this age, then I might be frustrated.”
It’s this success, and the wisdom that comes from the passing of time, that have led to the ethos that the performer now lives his life by.
“Be as kind and generous as you can with people,” he finishes. “I always regret when I haven’t been those things.”
An Audience with David Walliams is in theatres around the country in September and October. Purchase tickets and VIP packages here.
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