COMEDIAN'S COMEDIAN FRED MACAULAY PLAYS IT FOR LAUGHS

Fred MacAulay is quite rightly regarded as the comedians’ comedian, having started life as a warm-up act and then gone on to support some of the biggest names in the business.

Born in Perth, Fred studied accountancy and jurisprudence at Dundee University before going to work for a number of companies as an accountant.

His first forays into stand-up took place in the tough clubs of Glasgow and after crafting out a semi-professional career as a comedian he moved to London where he began performing as the warm-up act for shows such as Have I Got News For You and comedians like Paul Merton and Rory Bremner.

Twenty Fifteen his first tour since 2012, and in it Fred looks at his family life at home and looks forward to how his country will shape up after last year’s referendum.

As well as looking backwards and forwards, he'll probably take a sideways look at politics, sport, the environment and of course celebrity.

This year is a hugely significant year for the long-running BBC Scotland presenter.

Back on the road again after 18 years at BBC Radio Scotland presenting the popular MacAulay and Co, Fred’s on air witticisms and on screen reputation are the product of years of experience on the live circuit, including a stint as the first ever-Scottish compere at the Comedy Store in London.

He is also a regular favourite at the Edinburgh Fringe, this year beeing his 27th appearance.

Over the years his TV appearances have ranged from Mock the Week, QI and Have I Got News For You to a guest-spot on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson in the US while on radio he has guest-starred on various Radio 4 panel shows such as I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue, Just A Minute, the Unbelievable Truth and is a regular panelist on The News Quiz.

• Fred MacAulay: Twenty Fifteen Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street, Colchester.

Tonight. Doors 7.30pm, show starts 8pm.

£15, £13 concessions. 01206 500900.

www.colchesterartscentre.com