Comedian and actor Omid Djalili on performing in Colchester

Omid Djalili, 59, from Ipswich, is a Iranian-British comedian, actor and writer.

With an illustrious career spanning more than three decades, he has built up a solid fanbase as a comedian who is a firm favourite at the Edinburgh Fringe, and on stages across the world.

Djalili is a man with many strings to his bow.

Entertainer - comedian, actor, and writer Omid Djalili (Image: PR) He has been in Hollywood blockbusters such as Gladiator and The Mummy, and appeared in the West End in Oliver!, as well as on TV, and even in video games, including the Grand Theft Auto series.

Since May, the stand-up comic has been on his Omid Djalili: Namaste world tour which runs until November 25.

He has already performed in New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia and the USA, and is now turning his sights on the UK leg of the tour.

Djalili is playing two nights at Colchester Arts Centre, on November 7-8.

Venue - Colchester Arts Centre (Image: Colchester Arts Centre) He says the city is an ideal location.

“First of all, I live in Ipswich, so Colchester is brilliantly convenient as I can go straight back home," he said.

“But Colchester is one of the most comedy literate audiences in the whole of the UK, you’ve had comedy coming through there for absolutely years.

“So I know anyone who has seen me in Colchester has probably seen Bill Bailey, Sean Lock, Jimmy Carr - they have seen everyone.

“So they are a bit more comedy literate which frees you up because you know they enjoy their comedy.

Passionate - Omid Djalili (Image: PR) “That is why I am looking forward to it. I’ve been coming there for 20 odd years, and I’ve found Colchester audiences absolutely brilliant.

“They don’t even need a drink in them, they are set and ready to go.

"You’re always set for a rollicking night in Colchester, they are people who appreciate good comedy.”

Djalili holds a mirror up to the state of UK and global affairs, taking aim at climate change, terrorism, financial instability and other subjects.

But no matter how dark the world seems, he wants to help make people laugh and learn.

He said: “I think comedy is a means to an end. The end here is for better understanding, the comedy is a means to that end.

“I’ve always wanted to use my platform to bring sense to the senseless, certainly in the Middle East.

“You talk to people and they say, ‘I don’t read the news, I don’t care’.

"They don’t actually get we are all part of a whole and we should be concerned, and it will influence your life at some point.

Event - Omid Djalili attending the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 2022 (Image: PA)“It’s about getting everyone on board with the truth.

“If along the way you can make people really laugh and think, that’s great - you realise you can actually influence for good.

“I want people to laugh, learn and then do something proactive and good.”

Djalili also gets inspired by the places he visits on tour and ensures he injects some local material into his shows.

He often reads the local newspapers, visits the shopping centres and talks to locals to get an idea of what “is actually going on” in the area.

Performer - Omid Djalili (Image: PR) When it comes to his acting career highlights, he cites Grand Theft Auto and his character being branded the “most disgraceful”, and appearing alongside Heath Ledger in Casanova.

On stage, Djalili admits he still get nervous.

He said: “I find there are less nerves when more people are there - I get very nervous when it is a small crowd.

“I spoke to Lee Evans about this, and he gets nervous at a smaller arts centre, but with Wembley Arena he is completely fine."

Speaking about the tour, Djalili said: “It’s a strictly no bulls*** show, it’s straight to the core.

“It’s unapologetic and I think people have found that refreshing.

“There are a lot of things that we talk about. I hope it sounds interesting.

"I do try to make it funny. It is not a comedy lecture - it’s a stand-up comedy show.

“Fingers crossed, people come and enjoy it.”

For tickets, visit colchesterartscentre.com.