Joel Dommett, fresh from his festive triumph on Gladiators, knows a lot about warming up so it’s not surprise that he’s preparing for a new stand-up tour with a run out … and it’s taking place at South Street this weekend.
The comic, who also hosts The Masked Singer, Survivor, In With A Shout and other shows, is making a one-night visit to Reading as he prepares to on tour this spring with his new show, Happy Idiot.
While he’s now busy hosting shows and podcasts, he is also a comedian, and Happy Idiot is a chance for him to get back to his roots.
Joel Dommett is promising glamorous tales from behind the camera and less glamorous anecdotes of first-time fatherhood – all while being a charming, exhausted and happy idiot.
Who is Joel Dommett?
As one of the nation’s most familiar faces on television, Joel Dommett has established himself as one of the UK’s most trusted and beloved presenters.
He is rapidly becoming a staple in British television, having fronted five hugely successful series of the smash-hit The Masked Singer, along with two series of its spin-off, The Masked Dancer, and hosting The Masked Singer Live tour across arenas. Recently, he took the reins of the hosting duties for Survivor on BBC One, reviving the classic format with his signature style.
He also hosted the Red Nose Day for Comic Relief in 2024, regularly co-hosted This Morning, and made his return to the National Television Awards at The O2 for a fourth year running.
Joel Dommett has also recently hosted BBC’s Live at the Apollo and can be seen on Amazon Prime’s Backstage with Katherine Ryan and Netflix’s Comedians of the World.
READ MORE: Gurt Wings ‘super excited’ to fly into their new nest at Reading’s Blue Collar Corner
As well as touring stand-up, Joel released his first book It’s Not Me, It’s Them in 2018, which recounts his past relationships in pursuit of love.
Alongside Hannah Cooper, Joel Dommett also co-hosts the weekly hit podcast, Never Have I Ever that sees the married couple act on unusual suggestions from listeners and each other, to experience something they’ve never done before.
On New Year’s Day, millions of people saw him triumph over Rob Beckett in a Celebrity Gladiators special.
He had the nickname of The Dominator.
Afterwards, he said that the Eliminator finale had been tough to take part in, especially as he wasn’t good with heights.
“I knew Rob was there the entire time. We’ve been so scared all day, we’re both petrified of heights. The fact that I did that, I just feel like we’ve overcome something amazing.
“I’ve dreamed of going up that travelator since I was nine years old and hearing the crowd roar and going up that travelator its like genuinely a dream come true.”
When is Joel Dommett’s Happy Idiot preview coming to Reading and how can I get tickets?
The show runs from 8pm on Saturday, January 25, at South Street Arts Centre.
It lasts 60 minutes and there will be no interval, nor will there be a support act.
The show has now sold out, but some returns may be available. Tickets are £17.50, and the show will not admit anyone under the age of 14.
For more details, call the Reading Arts box office on 0118 960 6060, or log on to: https://whatsonreading.com/venues/south-street/whats-on/joel-dommett-work-progress
More comedy at South Street
The laughter keeps comedy at South Street this spring, as a host of comedians prepare to visit Reading.
Chloe Petts will be dropping in on Saturday, February 1 – and she is so popular that there are two shows. The first is at 5pm, the second is at 8pm.
Between her newly found trolls, oldly found school bullies, and an excellent relationship with her food tech teacher, Chloe brings her trademark laddishness to tell you who she really is, all while her Head Girl badge glistens upon her chest.
Tickets cost £19.50. For more details, call the Reading Arts box office on 0118 960 6060, or log on to: https://whatsonreading.com/venues/south-street/whats-on/chloe-petts-how-you-see-me-how-you-dont
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