Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe

S11 EP15: Alan Davies (The Return)

15 snips
Oct 3, 2025
Alan Davies, a beloved actor and comedian known for his work on 'Jonathan Creek,' shares his parenting journey and experiences in this lively conversation. He discusses his new book, 'White Male Stand-Up,' and the inspiration behind his writing, addressing childhood trauma and its impact on parenting. Alan reflects on his decade-long break from touring and the challenges of raising sporty teenagers while managing screen time. He also shares humorous anecdotes about family outings and navigating fame with kids, all while balancing work and family life.
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ANECDOTE

Returning To The Road

  • Alan Davies returned to touring after a decade and performed in Folkestone to a warm audience.
  • He described the dressing room view of the English Channel and the energy of a thousand people.
INSIGHT

Sabbatical Has Hidden Costs

  • Davies called his 2001–2011 break a career and mental-health mistake he shouldn't have taken.
  • He advises regular gigging to keep your performance skills sharp even during breaks.
ANECDOTE

Heckles After TV Fame

  • Alan recalled being heckled about TV fame during late-night comedy gigs after appearing in adverts.
  • He described awkward live questions like whether he'd slept with Caroline Quentin and how that affected gigs.
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