Miles Jupp, the acclaimed British comedian, kicked off his brand-new stand-up tour earlier this month, at the Epsom Playhouse. On I Bang, in 2024, promises a night of wit, humour, and unique storytelling when he comes to Swindon next month.
Since finishing his last tour at The London Palladium in 2017, Miles Jupp has been on a whirlwind of experiences. From acting in popular series like The Full Monty, Trigger Point, The Durrells, and Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? to showcasing his comedic talents on shows such as Frankie Boyle’s New World Order and Have I Got News For You, Jupp has kept audiences entertained across various platforms.
However, the standout moment in Jupp’s life occurred in August 2021 when he experienced a brain seizure, leading to major neurosurgery. On I Bang revolves around this life-altering event, offering a humorous take on the unexpected twists of surprise, fear, luck, love, and encounters with medical professionals.
In a recent interview, Miles Jupp discussed his health and the inspiration behind On I Bang. When asked about his well-being, Jupp, with his signature wit, quipped, “My skull probably has a groove in it, but it’s at the back, I can’t see it. I feel quite jolly.”
The heart of the show lies in the brain seizure that took place during the filming of the ITV series Trigger Point. Jupp humorously recalls the bizarre coincidence of his character experiencing an explosion in the show just as he felt a metaphorical bomb go off in his own head. Fortunately, the swift response of the on-set medic and a day’s work may have played a crucial role in saving his life.
Reflecting on the unexpected nature of the brain tumour, Jupp remarked, “The tumour was there, but I was totally unaware of it. They can’t date it. It’s not like trees or fossils.” The pressure caused by the swelling of the tumour eventually led to the seizure, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of such medical conditions.
Discussing the impact on his outlook, Jupp shared, “It’s very good for putting things in perspective. Not that I don’t moan about all the pathetic things other people moan about as well. But after a while, you can go, ‘oh, I’ve got the freedom to moan about it. You just think about things in a different way.”
Acknowledging the concern of his family during the ordeal, Jupp highlighted the contrast in perspectives, saying, “I could be lying in a hospital bed plugged into stuff and actually feeling fine, whereas from their point of view it’s ‘oh no, he’s lying in a hospital bed with lots of stuff plugged into him.'”
The show, On I Bang, captures the entire journey – before, during, and after the major life event. Jupp reassures the audience, “It’s a story told in a stand-up style. I promise you there are lots of jokes. Hopefully, it’s a pure piece of storytelling, with a beginning, a middle, and an end.”
As for the origin of the show, Jupp revealed, “I started writing it down, not in a comedic way, but I thought it would be useful to have a record of it. And I thought I hadn’t done a stand-up tour for six years. I like this thing of a crowd enjoying a thing together so much. And I thought, yes, I should turn that thing into a show and do it.”
Miles Jupp, known for his diverse roles in Balamory, Harry Potter, Rev, and The Thick Of It, expressed his love for performing on stage. “I like walking out onto a stage somewhere. I find there’s a sort of romance about touring,” he shared.
“I remember with my show Fibber in the Heat appearing in Swindon on a Monday night. I turned up and there were 170 people there. I don’t know Swindon, I didn’t know anyone in Swindon. And I remember thinking, that’s great that 170 people have come here to watch this thing. I just love touring for that. So I look forward to walking onstage again and telling a story. And hopefully, you know, we’ll have fun.”
The On I Bang tour promises a night of laughter, storytelling, and a unique perspective on life’s unexpected challenges. Join Miles Jupp on this entertaining journey and experience the magic of live stand-up comedy.
Miles Jupp’s On I Bang Tour comes to Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre on 20th February with tickets available online.
