Relive the Laughter: A Look Back at Micky Flanagan Stand Up Shows
- comedyinyoureye
- Dec 18
- 9 min read
Micky Flanagan, a name synonymous with British comedy, has given us some truly memorable micky flanagan stand up shows over the years. From his early days to his massive arena tours, he's built a career on relatable observations and a unique take on life. Let's take a little trip down memory lane and revisit some of the highlights of his stand-up career.
Key Takeaways
Micky Flanagan's early stand-up shows, like 'The Out Out Tour', really put him on the map, showcasing his East End roots and sharp observational humour.
'An' Another Fing Live' was a massive success, breaking records and showing Flanagan at the height of his popularity after a break.
The 'Back In The Game' tour marked a triumphant return, with the comedian sharing relatable stories about middle age and married life.
Flanagan has also explored his love for cycling and France in TV shows like 'Detour de France' and 'Hits the Road'.
He's a familiar face on shows like 'Big Fat Quiz', often appearing in comedy shorts and collaborating with other comedians.
Micky Flanagan's Early Stand Up Shows
The Out Out Tour: A Defining Moment
Micky Flanagan's career really took off with 'The Out Out Tour' back in 2011. It was the show that put him on the map for a lot of people, cementing his reputation as a proper observational comic. He’d already been doing the rounds, but this tour felt different. It was raw, it was real, and it was undeniably funny.
This tour was a massive success, selling out venues across the UK and showcasing Flanagan's unique take on everyday life. He had this knack for taking the mundane and making it hilarious, often drawing on his East End roots. It wasn't just about telling jokes; it was about painting a picture of a world that many people recognised, even if they didn't live it themselves. The energy from the crowd was electric, and you could tell he was connecting with people on a genuine level.
Here's a look at some of the key aspects of the tour:
Observational Gold: Flanagan's strength lies in his ability to notice the little things. From queuing for a pint to the awkwardness of social gatherings, he found the humour in it all.
East End Authenticity: His background heavily influenced his material. The slang, the characters, the general vibe of his upbringing provided a rich source of comedy.
Audience Connection: He had a way of speaking directly to the audience, making them feel like they were part of the conversation. It felt less like a performance and more like a chat down the pub.
The 'Out Out Tour' wasn't just a stand-up show; it was a cultural moment for many, reflecting a certain kind of British life with sharp wit and a lot of heart. It proved that relatable stories, told well, could pack out arenas.
Observational Humour and East End Roots
Flanagan's early material was deeply rooted in his experiences growing up in the East End of London. This wasn't just a backdrop; it was the very fabric of his jokes. He'd talk about things like the local pubs, the characters you'd meet, and the general way of life. It was a world that felt both familiar and exotic to many.
His observational style meant he could take a simple scenario, like going out for a 'proper' night out – hence 'Out Out' – and dissect it with such detail and humour that you couldn't help but laugh. He’d break down the rituals, the expectations, and the inevitable mishaps that came with it. It was this grounded, no-nonsense approach that made him so popular.
Show Title | Year | Key Theme |
|---|---|---|
The Out Out Tour | 2011 | Everyday life, East End roots |
What Have I Done Since | 2010 | Post-show reflections |
He managed to capture a voice that felt authentic, a bit rough around the edges perhaps, but honest. This authenticity was key to his appeal, making his observations feel less like jokes and more like shared truths. It was this blend of sharp wit and genuine relatability that set him apart in the crowded comedy scene.
The Phenomenon of 'An' Another Fing Live'
Right then, after a bit of a break, Micky Flanagan came back with 'An' Another Fing Live', and blimey, it was a bit of a moment, wasn't it? This wasn't just another tour; it was a full-blown event. He played to over 600,000 people across the UK, which is just a massive number when you think about it. It really felt like everyone was talking about it.
Breaking Box Office Records
This tour absolutely smashed it. It became the biggest comedy event of 2017, and that's saying something. Ticket sales went through the roof everywhere he went. It's hard to get exact figures for every single venue, but the sheer scale of it was undeniable. It showed just how popular Micky had become.
Post-Gap Year Reflections
Recorded live at the O2, the show saw Micky reflecting on his life after taking a bit of a year off. He talked about where he was at, what he'd been up to, and how he saw things now. It was classic Flanagan, taking everyday stuff and making it hilarious. He had this knack for making you feel like you were right there with him, having a pint and a laugh.
The way he talks about things, it's like he's just telling you a story down the pub. You recognise bits of your own life in what he's saying, even if you're not from the East End yourself. That's the magic of it, really.
Here's a look at how the tour stacked up in terms of attendance and reception:
Metric | Value |
|---|---|
Total Audience | Over 600,000 |
Year | 2017 |
Key Venue | The O2 |
It was a proper comeback, and the DVD of Micky Flanagan's "Another Fing Live" is still a great watch if you missed it the first time around, or even if you saw it live. It really captured that energy.
Micky Flanagan's 'Back In The Game' Tour
After a bit of a break, Micky Flanagan made a proper comeback with his 'Back In The Game' tour. It felt like he'd been away for ages, and fans were really keen to see what he'd come up with. This tour wasn't just about getting back on stage; it was about Micky reflecting on getting older, marriage, and all the stuff that comes with hitting a certain age. He really tapped into that feeling of being in the middle of life, with all its ups and downs.
A Superstar's Return
The 'Back In The Game' tour was a massive success, selling out arenas all over the place. It showed that Micky was still at the top of his game, and people couldn't get enough of his honest, no-nonsense style. He’d clearly put a lot of thought into his material, and it paid off. The energy in the venues was electric; you could feel the anticipation from the crowd.
Tales of Middle Age and Marriage
Flanagan really dug into the realities of middle age. He talked about things like dodgy knees, putting on weight, and the general feeling of 'what am I doing with my life?'. Marriage also got a good going over, with plenty of relatable stories about the little annoyances and the enduring love that comes with being with someone for a long time. It wasn't just complaining, though; there was a real warmth and affection in how he spoke about his wife and family, even when he was taking the mickey.
Here's a look at some of the themes he explored:
The physical changes that come with getting older.
The funny side of long-term relationships and married life.
Reflections on his career and where he was at in his life.
The everyday struggles that many people face.
The tour felt like a conversation with an old mate, someone who wasn't afraid to admit that life gets a bit messy as you get older, but that there's still plenty of laughs to be had. It was a reminder that you're not alone in these experiences.
This tour cemented Micky Flanagan's status as one of the UK's favourite comedians, proving that he could still pack out the biggest venues with material that felt both personal and universally funny.
Micky Flanagan's Television Ventures
While Micky Flanagan is best known for his sell-out stand-up tours, he's also dipped his toes into the world of television, bringing his unique brand of observational humour to the small screen. It's not just about the jokes though; Micky's taken us on some rather interesting journeys.
Detour de France: A Comedic Journey
This series saw Micky and his mate Noel Lynch, a bricklayer by trade, cycle across France. Now, Micky himself admitted it wasn't exactly a deep dive into French culture or history. He called it more of a "jolly" than a travelogue, and honestly, that sounds about right. They weren't poring over guidebooks or doing loads of research. It was more about seeing where the road took them, encountering all sorts of characters and situations along the way.
They visited vineyards, sampled Belgian beers, and even took a spin with a former F1 driver. It sounds like a proper laugh, and Micky being Micky, you just know there were plenty of unexpected moments and his usual take on things.
Hits the Road: Cycling Through France
This show, also featuring Noel, was essentially Micky tackling France on two wheels. It wasn't just about the scenery, though. They were looking at things like the comfort (or lack thereof) of cycling shorts and whether lycra is just a bit too much. Micky even joked about buying a bike for the occasion, which perfectly sums up his approach – a bit of a laugh, a bit of a challenge, and definitely not taking himself too seriously. They even ended up trying drag in Cannes, which sounds like a television moment you wouldn't want to miss.
Here's a little look at what they got up to:
Route: Covered parts of France, including the Champagne region.
Companions: Micky was joined by his mate Noel Lynch.
Activities: Cycling, visiting vineyards, and generally having a good time.
Unexpected: A stint trying on dresses in Cannes.
Micky Flanagan's Guest Appearances
While Micky Flanagan is best known for his own massive stand-up tours and specials, he's also popped up on a fair few other shows over the years. It's always a treat when he shows up, isn't it? You know you're going to get a good laugh.
Big Fat Quiz: Best Bits
One of the highlights of Micky's TV appearances has to be his regular spot on Channel 4's Big Fat Quiz of the Year (and its various spin-offs). He's been a team captain or a guest on the show multiple times, and his quick wit and often hilariously wrong answers make for brilliant television. It's a proper laugh seeing him go head-to-head with other comedians.
Here's a look at some of the regulars who often join Jimmy Carr for the quiz:
Kevin Bridges
Miranda Hart
Vic Reeves
Bob Mortimer
Micky Flanagan
Ruth Jones
Big Narstie
Rob Beckett
Judi Love
These compilations, like Big Fat Quiz: Best Bits, are a great way to relive some of the funniest moments without having to sit through the whole show again. It's perfect for a quick chuckle.
Comedy Shorts and Collaborations
Beyond the big quiz shows, Micky has also featured in various comedy shorts and collaborated with other comedians. While not always headline news, these smaller appearances show his willingness to jump into different comedic formats. He's also been mentioned in relation to potential sitcoms, though these haven't always come to fruition. It just goes to show he's always been a part of the wider comedy scene, even when he's not on his own tour.
It's interesting to see how comedians interact when they're not in their usual solo performance setting. Sometimes the best moments come from those unexpected pairings and spontaneous jokes.
Micky Flanagan has popped up on many shows over the years. He's known for his brilliant stand-up, but he's also made guest appearances on popular TV programmes. If you want to see more great comedians like him, check out our website for upcoming shows and tickets!
Still Laughing After All These Years
So there you have it. Micky Flanagan's stand-up shows have given us plenty of laughs over the years, haven't they? From the early days of 'The Out Out Tour' right up to the massive success of 'An' Another Fing Live', he's always had a knack for saying what we're all thinking, but in a way that's just brilliant. It's that honest, no-nonsense style that really connects. Whether you've seen him live, caught a special on telly, or just heard bits and bobs from mates, his comedy has a way of sticking around. It's good to look back and remember those moments when we were doubled over with laughter. Here's hoping for more of that signature Micky Flanagan humour in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Micky Flanagan's first big stand-up show?
Micky Flanagan's 'The Out Out Tour' in 2011 is often seen as his big break. It was a huge success and really put him on the map as a major comedy star.
What is 'An' Another Fing Live' about?
This show, recorded in 2017, came after Micky took a year off. He talks about what he got up to during that break and shares his funny thoughts on life afterwards. It was a massive tour that sold out everywhere!
What kind of jokes does Micky Flanagan tell?
Micky is famous for his observational humour. He talks about everyday life, often with a connection to his East End London roots, making relatable jokes about things we all experience.
Did Micky Flanagan do any TV shows about cycling?
Yes, he did! He went on a couple of cycling trips across France for TV shows called 'Detour de France' and 'Micky Flanagan Hits the Road'. He wasn't alone though, he took his mate Noel with him for the adventures.
Has Micky Flanagan been on 'The Big Fat Quiz of the Year'?
He has! Micky Flanagan has appeared on 'The Big Fat Quiz of the Year' shows. These are popular TV specials where comedians answer quiz questions in a very funny way.
What is Micky Flanagan's 'Back In The Game' tour about?
This tour, from 2013, marked his big return to comedy. He shared funny stories about getting older, married life, and just everyday stuff. It was a huge hit and proved he was still at the top of his game.