Jack Whitehall is returning to stand-up comedy with his new tour 'Bad Influence', which comes to Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena on March 13, 2027. In an exclusive interview with the ECHO, the 38-year-old comedian discussed his life changes since his last tour in 2023, including marriage, fatherhood, and his Hollywood career.
A different performer
Whitehall, who has starred alongside David Duchovny and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in films like The Burbs, Jungle Cruise, and Malice, says his stage persona has evolved. "I definitely feel different to when I started out," he said. "Since I was doing stand-up last I've got married, had a kid and a lot of my subject matter is definitely more boring and middle-aged. But I think maybe my audience is too."
He added: "It's quite nice to be able to talk about stuff they relate to and is reflective of where they are in their lives. After the last tour, I took a little break, went off and lived some life. But I was definitely keen to get back on stage because I've got a lot more to talk about now."
Liverpool connections
Whitehall's formative comedic memories come from performing in Liverpool, where he started doing stand-up while at the University of Manchester. "I've done all different kinds of gigs in Liverpool. I've done comedy clubs, student nights back in the day. It's where I cut my teeth in the North of England," he said.
He described Liverpool crowds as distinctive: "There's the stereotype that all Scousers think they're comedians themselves. And I think it's one that is partially earned. You definitely get a wittier form of heckle in Liverpool than you do in most places around the world."
Jamie Redknapp and future plans
Whitehall recalled interactions with audiences in Merseyside often involve his close friend, former Liverpool captain Jamie Redknapp, whom he met while working on A League of Their Own. "Jamie Redknapp has definitely come up before when I've been on stage in Liverpool. He's definitely caught some strays so that's always funny," he said.
He joked about their friendship: "I love that man. He's the easiest guy in the world to wind up as well. Especially now that the Richard Keys and Andy Gray podcast is in existence. I love calling him up and pretending I've heard stray bullets on that and getting him scared."
Whitehall is also preparing to film the second season of The Burbs for NBC, taking on a role made famous by Tom Hanks. He said: "I always make sure I apply myself in the best bit I can and be really professional and put in the work. With the stand-up, I do loads of writing- work in progress shows to make sure I really hone it as much as I can."
