Bridget Christie, no less, has called Dutch absurdist Hans Teeuwen “the gold standard of comedy” and says that the first time she saw him, in 2008, it was like “watching a hilarious snake slowly digest a rat, while pulling funny faces and playing The Horst Wessel Lied on a tin whistle.” I’m not sure I can improve on that description. To put it bluntly Teeuwen is a unique talent in a class of his own, extremely versatile, extremely unpredictable and extremely exciting. One moment he is riffing about sex, the next he is grinning from ear to ear like a loon, the next he is playing the theme tune to Popeye by flicking his cheeks. It’s a strong flavour of comedy that may perplex as well as entertain, but a highly recommended one. Go see.

Hans Teeuwen's UK tour starts at the Soho Theatre on September 29 and then after dates outside London finishes with a run at the Leicester Square Theatre from November 3 - 26 (Fridays - Sundays). Scroll down here for full dates.

Picture by Eva Boeter Lachen. 

1. What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies and/or check your knickers aren't sticking out of your skirt and check for spinach between your teeth)?

Read Gone With The Wind. 

2. What irritates you?

Cancer. 

3. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?

Refer to a certain prophet as silly kid fucker. 

4. What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?

When I was 18 years old I held my breath for a very long period whilst wearing a bowler hat. 

5. What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?

I'm still surprised sometimes by the fact that people react so strongly to what you do with your voice. Even if you're not saying anything. They will keep listening. If you just use your voice. Change the tempo, change the volume in an unexpected way. People are sheep. 

Interview continues here.