After a decade away, and TV berths including Strictly Come Dancing and Channel 5’s Cruising, comedian Susan Calman is back on a UK tour that includes stops in Cambridge and Norwich.
We caught up with here to find out what she’s been up to, why she’s back on the road, and what you can expect from her new show.
It’s been 10 years since you last toured – what’s been happening, and why have you decided to return to live comedy?
A lot has changed in the last ten years for me, and I was quite desperate to tell people about it! I talk about why I’ve decided to return to stand up in my show… without spoiling it, it’s for quite surprising reasons!
The tour started in September. Were you nervous to head back in front of a crowd?
Absolutely! Ten years away made the thought of getting on stage rather terrifying. But once I got up there it was like I’d never been away!
Was it a deliberate choice to start the tour in Scotland?
Not particularly! It was just the way that the dates fell. It was nice to start off in front of a home crowd but it was just coincidence!
How was the show been received so far? Are you tweaking as you go?
The audience response has been incredible. I’ve been blown away. And I am adding bits and pieces as I go along. And of course the start of every show is different depending on where I am. The show is evolving as I go along
Your comedy is often quite personal. How do you balance what goes in the show, and what stays private?
I have very clear boundaries between what I’m happy to talk about and what stays private. Only a few people really know me well, but I’m also happy to let audiences in to quite a lot of my life
Were you prepared for the reception to Strictly? How do you feel about the show now?
I loved my time on the show and I’m still really good friends with Kevin. I had no idea the impact it would have though, but I’m always delighted when people remember us!
You’ve more recently been Cruising for Channel 5. What do you enjoy most about travel TV?
I just love seeing new places. I hadn’t travelled much before I did the shows so my enthusiasm is absolutely genuine. I’ve had the time of my life cruising the world.
Who will you miss most during the tour – your wife or your cats?
My wife, my cats, my golf clubs. In that order.
- Susan Calman’s Tall Tales tour includes Cambridge Corn Exchange on 18 November 2026 and Norwich Theatre Royal on 28 February 2027.