After a hugely successful first leg, British Comedian of the Year winner and social media sensation, Jeff Innocent, is back for the second half of his debut nationwide tour, Smart Casual.

Jeff is bringing his unique and hilarious cultural insights on the road for the first time in a career that has spanned almost three decades and earned him a reputation as one of the greatest living comedians the country has to offer.

He brings his show Jeff Innocent: Smart Casual to Wrexham Comedy Festival this September, we sat down with him to find out more…

What can we expect from your show?

An hour of stand up comedy. Just a bloke and a microphone talking autobiographically about topics such as class, race, gender and sexuality. And Whippets.

What has been your most memorable performance, whether good or bad, and why?

My most memorable gig was probably winning the final of British Comedian of the Year at The Comedy Store London. It was a very strong bill of the best comedians from all over the country but I wasn’t going to let them beat me in my own backyard. It was also rewarding because I’m deaf but had left my hearing aids at home so thought I wouldn’t have a chance. As it turned out, the audience obviously needed a loud deaf shouty ranting comedian.

Tell us something people might not know about you?

Something people don’t know about me. Occasionally I like to get drunk and cry whilst listening to the lost love and female empowerment anthems of artists like Barbera Streisand and Gabrielle. But don’t tell anyone.

You’ve become a social media sensation, how’s that been and do you enjoy the world of social media?

I am totally bemused by my social media success but have enjoyed it very much. It has meant that I have found an audience who like my particular style of comedy and I now have a direct relationship with them which is not mediated by industry gatekeepers like TV producers of big comedy agencies. It has also meant being recognised several times a day and having to do selfies, anytime and anywhere, which is very flattering, but takes some getting used to.

Is there a joke or sketch that you wish you’d written?

The joke I wish I had written is an early Alexi Sayle joke. To paraphrase, “My dad was a communist and a big Liverpool fan. He had a photo above the mantle place of Lenin scoring the winning goal for Liverpool in the 1962 FA Cup final. The best retouching job the KGB have ever done”

Any advice to people wanting to get into comedy or are early on in their careers?

The advice I would give is the same I was given by the late Tony Allen, the principle architect of the alternative comedy movement in the late 70’s. “Know who you are, know what you’ve got to say, and just get on with it”.

And finally, what’s on the cards for the rest of the year/2025?

For the rest of this year I’ll be touring the UK with my solo show, Smart Casual. In 2025 I’ll be back on the comedy circuit and writing a new show for the next tour. And enjoying random selfies wherever they might occur.

To book tickets to see Jeff Innocent or any of Wrexham Comedy Festival click here.