After a decade-long hiatus, the dynamic duo, Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis, are hitting the road once again with their latest tour, “We Are Not A Robot.”
Fans will remember them as the iconic hosts of Radio 4’s The Now Show, but before that, they were part of the beloved BBC sketch show, the Mary Whitehouse Experience, alongside David Baddiel and Rob Newman.
Their comedic talents have also graced our screens with their own BBC series and appearances on hit shows like Mock The Week, Outnumbered, and even the James Bond movie No Time To Die.
So, what sparked their return to touring after so many years?
“We were supposed to tour in 2021, but because of the pandemic, it didn’t happen,” explains Steve Punt. “And you start to look at the calendar and think, if we don’t do this now, we’re probably never going to do it.”
Hugh Dennis adds, “It’s also because The Now Show is ending after 25 years. It seemed like a perfect confluence of things. It’s just asserting your independence. It’s very easy to think people live in the radio or on the telly, but actually, people do radio and TV as parts of what they do, and I always think that live shows are the core of everything.”
But what about the intriguing title, “We Are Not A Robot”?
“One of the consistent themes in The Now Show has been society’s relationship with technology,” says Steve. “So we’re bound to touch on that. Plus, it’s a funny title, I just like the idea of it. It sums up our relationship with all the gadgets that we use in our lives.”
As for the content of the show, fans can expect a mix of topical comedy, revisiting classic TV characters, and perhaps a glimpse into the personal dynamics between Steve and Hugh.
“We have very ‘polite, well-thought-out creative discussions,'” says Steve. “You can’t really work as a double act unless there’s an element of trust.”
And for those wondering about The Now Show ending, Steve reflects, “Conflicted in a way. I immediately thought ‘oh no, we’re going to miss the election.’ But there’s a big part of me that’s looking forward to being liberated from everything I write being a hilarious look at the week’s news.”
The “We Are Not A Robot” tour promises to be a hilarious and thought-provoking experience, showcasing the comedic genius of Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis.
Don’t miss their performance at Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre on the 26th May. It’s a night of laughter you won’t want to miss!
