IT’S not just Ricky Tomlinson who will be gracing the stage during his Laughter Show in February – he’ll also be joined by comedian Pauline Daniels, impressionist and comedian Duncan Norvelle and comic Tony Barton. In true Jim Royle fashion, Ricky promises theatre-goers he wouldn’t be ripping them off with expensive programmes and explained the show was very traditional in style. "I used to live in North Wales, outside Wrexham, so a lot of people come down to see me," he said. "We’ve got a souvenir programme, it’s only £2 which is the right price. I went to a show and the programme was £15 – bloody ridiculous!" So what does Ricky get up to in the show? "I do little bits about Jim Royle but that’s only a couple of minutes, it’s good old-fashioned variety, there’s not enough of that any more. I think times have changed and people want to see that rather than just one person, it’s reverting back to the old ways. "I tell a couple of stories and a few anecdotes about when I met Pélé in Brazil, Samuel L Jackson and Ken Loach at Cannes, and a few stories about people like Frank Carson, Norman Wisdom and Ken Dodd, people like that, because they’re all my mates." Ricky says the show has some good talent on offer, as well as himself, but admits most people still know and love him as his Royle Family character Jim. "Pauline Daniels is one of the best female comedians, and then we’ve got Tony Barton and Duncan Norvelle. Nobody does impressions any more! "I get people shouting ‘Jim’ at me hundreds of times a day – lorry drivers, kids, the milkman, the postman – but it’s great and we stay behind after the show and sign photos as people have paid to see you. "I may get my banjo out but it all depends how the audience are on the night – if they are naughty then I’ll get it out!" The show takes place at 8pm on February 8. For tickets or more information contact the box office on 01492 872000 or log onto www.venuecymru.co.uk | 
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