Provocative and funny, Iranian comedian Omid Djalili has a larger than life personality and an act to match. Just don’t expect a straight answer from him, as What’s On found out.

How do you usually go about developing a new comedy show?

I write stuff on my computer and keep it under wraps until I test it. The rest that doesn’t work I tweet.

Have you tackled the subject of terror attacks in the past?

Yes. If a comedian is successful in lampooning so called human beings known as “terrorists” we take a collective step closer to removing the fear in society that they seek to create.

It’s been more than 20 years since you started out as a stand-up. Are there fans that you always recognise at your gigs?

I like playing Cambridgeshire as I get to wave to and have banter with the regular Haverhill Slaughterhouse works do that always book when I’m on. He usually comes on his own.

How do you think your comedy has evolved?

My career has evolved like the weird little prehistoric horse the Hypo-hippus which used to have three toes but then developed hooves. So no one really cares or can say for certain it actually ever existed.

What was your worst ever gig?

I can’t hear that question without thinking “… so far?” But I suppose until this moment it has to be Haverhill Slaughterhouse. I don’t like performing behind chicken wire, even if it protects me from the flying bottles.

You played Mr Venus in the BBC drama Dickensian. Tell us about your character.

Mr Venus is a taxidermist who makes a fleeting appearance in Our Mutual Friend, Dickens’ last completed novel. To play him I got to wear a hat. I love hats. It's an underrated fashion accessory. Mine gave me an added Pimp of Bethlehem dimension which was unexpected.

You have a glittering array of film credits including the recently Golden Globe and Oscar nominated Shaun the Sheep Movie. Which are you most proud of?

I don’t have a favourite. The thing about movies is that they are filmed and captured in that state forever. The reason I love stand up is because there is always the opportunity to improve it and make it better.

You recently turned 50. What would you say to your 25-year-old self, just starting out in the world of comedy?

Forget everything you learned in theatre studies. Nuanced variations on the same screeching Arab accent will get you further than you ever imagined.

ACTOR, TV STAR AND COMEDIAN

Versatile and energetic, Omid has appeared in a clutch of Hollywood films, TV shows and West End productions.

From Shaun the Sheep to The Mummy, and Gladiator, last year he was also executive producer of the acclaimed documentary, We Are Many, about the global anti-war demonstrations that took place in 800 cities in 2003.

DETAILS

Omid has three dates in the county - two at the Horsebridge Centre in Whistable on Wednesday March 30 and Thursday, March 31, which are sold out, and his date at the Hazlitt in Maidstone on Friday, April 22, is close to selling out. Tickets are £23.50, visit www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk