Meet Tom Houghton, one of our favourites is bringing his tour show to Zurich

Comedian Tom Houghton is the ultra-privileged master of making the seemingly unrelatable, relatable. As seen on Netflix, Comedy Central and host of Very British Problems.

How did you get into stand-up comedy?

I always wanted to be an actor. So I went to university so do a drama degree. Eventually I realised that the only roles I was interested in were the comedy ones. Then in my forth year there was the option to do a stand up comedy masters degree. I was sold!

Where do you get your inspiration for your material?

It depends if the show. This new show "Deep" came from a very deliberate trip I took to Indonesia to go scuba diving. I'd never been solo travelling before and I wanted to have an adventure. Inevitably the show just keeps changing and improving the whole time though, so I'm always looking for new inspiration.

How do you deal with hecklers or a tough audience?

I tend to try and kill them with kindness. I don't think getting angry works very well. And hopefully if you give people enough rope they will hang themselves. Haha. That being said, sometimes you have no choice but to unload both barrels on them.

What is the most memorable moment you've had on stage?

Ooof. So many. If had an audience member come on stage and wee themselves. I've had audience members vomit over the stage. I've been on stage with 36 completely naked people. I've been going 18 years now, so there really have been some mad experiences. Who knows what this tour will hold?!

What's been the highlight of your career as a stand-up comedian so far?

I really enjoyed being on Netflix:The Circle. It undoubtably changed my life and career and is the biggest thing I've done so far. But there are also some amazing gigs that stand out. I once sang the South African national anthem on stage at the Mandela theatre in Johannesburg. So selling out the Bloomsbury theatre last year and playing the Clapham grand. I really do feel so lucky that this job just keeps getting better and better

Do you already have an impression of Switzerland and the Swiss, if so what is it?

I've actually been to Switzerland several times now, and comedy kiss has always been my favourite to perform with. I have driven from Austria to Zurich through the alps and it's just so beautiful. And of course the people are so much fun. It's never a quiet night after the show, and I doubt it will be this time either. I hope to keep coming back for many, many years

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