Two of Stewart Lee's favourites reunite

One of Stewart Lee’s favourite comedians is again going to support one of Stewart Lee’s favourite bands on their next UK tour.

Deadpan stand-up Ted Chippington – who Lee credits with inspiring him to go into comedy – will be opening for the Nightingales for a string of shows in May.

Chippington avoids observational comedy in favour of anti-humour and jokes which are mostly variations on the same theme, delivered in his West Midlands monotone. 

He also frequently performs his own versions of well-known songs in a similarly listless style – and he has been known to leave audiences bemused or hostile.

Lee has described Chippington's act as ‘a mixture of surrealism and insolent provocation and uncompromising boredom’ and citing him as ‘the first post-alternative comedian’. 

Richard Herring, is also a fan of Chippington's ‘contempt for the very idea of jokes’.

He retired in 1990 but made a comeback in the late 2000s thanks to Lee sparking more interest in his work, and has frequently toured with The Nightingales ever since.

The Birmingham-based post-punk band, led by Robert Lloyd were the subject of Lee's documentary King Rocker, which aired on Sky Arts in 2021. 

Chippington will be supporting The Nightingales on their UK tour from May 2 to 11. Tickets on sale here.

Published: 31 Jan 2024