Comedy

A-Z

The A-Z of Alan Davies

The complete alphabet of Alan – including some entries that are much, much more tenuous than others...


A is for Abbey National

It’s hardly something the respected comedian will want to be most known for, but for a number of years, Alan Davies was the face of Abbey National (now known as ‘Santander’). Back when adverts meant more, because we couldn’t skip them like we do today, Davies adorned our screens multiple times a day on behalf of the building society.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n–2n9mDCFQ?si=TvFx3aqaVtkr27yU

B is for Bob & Rose

Though famed for his comedic flair, Davies was at his dramatic best, in the Russell T. Davies series Bob & Rose, where he played a gay man who fell in love with a woman. Also starring Lesley Sharp and Jessica Hynes, it’s arguably the actors very finest work to date. 

C is for Curly Hair

Some may call it a mop, but we prefer to call it luscious curly hair. A trademark look for the comic, his curls are still going strong, which is no mean feat at the age of 58. 

D is for Decade

Remarkably, this is how long it has been since Alan Davies last took to the stage. You can only expect that with 10 years of preparation and material, this forthcoming tour, Think Ahead will be one to remember.

E is for Essex

Alan Davies was born in Loughton, Essex, and remained in the county throughout his childhood. 

F is for Father

Now a father to three children, it’s become somewhat easier to understand why it’s been so long since he last toured. 

G is for Goldsmiths

Davies is an intelligent man, and his qualifications are not limited to his youth, either. No, the comedian returned to university, and specifically Goldsmiths in South London, to pursue a MA degree in Creative Writing, which he completed in 2018. 

H is for Highbury

Davies is a lifelong Gooner, and spent many of his weekends on the terraces at Highbury cheering on his beloved Arsenal. But don’t hold it against him, we can’t all be perfect. 

I is for ITV 

Though most renowned for his work on the BBC, Davies has veered into some fine ITV drama across the course of his career. From The Brief, to Agatha Christie’s Marple, to Roman Road – he’s shown himself to be a versatile performer across the years.

J is for Jonathan Creek

This is without doubt Davies’ most renowned character, playing the eponymous protagonist across the five series of the mystery crime drama, racking up 32 episodes in close to 20 years. 

Two Heads are Better Than One - Jonathan Creek Christmas Special: The Grinning Man - BBC

K is for Katie Maskell

Alan Davies married Katie Maskell, a writer, at the start of 2007 having first met backstage on panel show QI. At their wedding, none other than Bill Bailey took on the role as the groom’s best man. 

L is for Lyric Theatre

The prestigious West End theatre was the home of Alan Davies’ very first stand-up TV special, way back in 1994. Titled Live At The Lyric, this kickstarted the career of one of the nation’s most renowned comedians. 

M is for Memoirs

Davies has written two memoirs, the second of which, titled Just Ignore Him offered a searingly honest, and at times hugely moving account of his childhood, as a figure who has always been incredibly open about the difficult moments across his life. 

N is for November

This is the month that marks the end of his forthcoming tour – so if you want to get tickets, you ought to hurry up. 

O is for O-Levels

Now named GSCEs, most people get roughly eight. Not Alan Davies, oh no. He had to go one further and get 12. Show off. 

P is for Parkinson’s

As someone with a big following, there’s generally a sense of responsibility to put your names to causes that mean a lot to you. For Davies, it’s Parkinson’s. Having watched his grandfather suffer, he has been outspoken in promoting awareness for the disease. 

Q is for QI

For these A-Z features it can be quite tricky thinking of something beginning with ‘Q’ but we thank Alan Davies wholeheartedly for making our lives so much easier, thanks to his long-running and important stint on the hugely popular panel show QI. He’s the only permanent panellist, and subsequently the only person to have appeared in every single episode, too. 

QI | Alan Has A Meltdown!

R is for Radio 

Davies rise to prominence was really kickstarted thanks to his work on the radio, hosting Alan‘s Big One for three series on Radio 1, in 1994. A few years later he also wrote and starred in his own radio sitcom, The Alan Davies Show

S is for Stand-up

There is a myriad of credits to Davies’ name, ranging from the radio to the television, and even occasional roles in cinema. But stand-up has been a huge part of his career, with several tours to his name, including the likes of Life Is Pain, and Little Victories

Alan Davies Shares a Stand-Up Disaster Story

T is for Think Ahead

Think Ahead is the name of his upcoming tour. Brilliantly described by the comedian as a show about a man who “think he’s Marty McFly, but is older than Doc Brown”, it kickstarts in Basingstoke this coming September. 

U is for Urban Trauma

Filmed at the Duchess Theatre in 1998, this hilarious stand-up show might just be Davies’ funniest to date. 

V is for Vauxhall Cavalier

Davies is a big car man. Having spoken about his relationship with motors, and having owned a fair few across the years, one that remains close to his heart is the trusty Vauxhall Cavalier. It was even the vehicle that once gave a lift to Harry Hill, as the duo were driving back from a comedy gig.  A story even more noteworthy, as during their journey they saw Barry Manilow driving a limo. As you do. 

W is for Whites

Whites was a BBC Sitcom that lasted just a single series, but has maintained a good reputation across the years. Davies played an executive chef who had to confront the slow demise of a once successful career.

X is for Channel X

Channel X Productions is an entertainment company that would produce a number of memorable comedy shows, and showed a lot of faith in a young Davies. Not only in his stand-up, but they also produced the spoof travelogue One For The Road.

Y is for The Young Ones

Davies has been a long-time admirer and fan of The Young Ones, admitting he became obsessed with the show when in his formative years. 

Z is for Z

QI has been such a major part of Davies’ career, and thankfully, there’s still more to come. We know this because every series of the panel show has gone in chronological order down the alphabet. The most recent series was ‘U’, which means we still have four more to go before they reach their finale, ‘Z’. 


Alan Davies brings Think Ahead to UK stages from 19 September. Find tickets here