GROUCHY, dead pan, comic genius Rich Hall will appear at the Platform in Morecambe on Friday, January 24.

Many comedy fans will already know him as the guy who made David Letterman funny, both as a writer and performer, but now Rich is back playing the part of Character Otis Lee Crenshaw whom he created.

Otis is a red-necked jailbird from Tennessee who has been married seven times, all to women named Brenda. A singer-songwriter, Otis writes bourbon-soaked, Tom Waitsian tunes and blends these with audience banter, producing a perfect fusion of music and comedy. Looking like a Pearl Jam roadie, Rich is a master of absurdist irony while eschewing the human condition. He particularly likes to lay into Americans and life across the pond at every opportunity.

The character Otis Lee Crenshaw has been charming sell out audiences each year at the Edinburgh Festival (Perrier Award winner 2000), throughout the UK on tour, at several festivals in Australia and at London's famous Comedy Store, where he had a monthly slot for 6 months.

Rich has also appeared on numerous UK TV shows including Have I Got News For You, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Friday Night With Jonathon Ross, Jack Dee's Sunday Service and Edinburgh Nights.

Described by The Times as 'a supremely talented comedian, quick-witted, topical and charismatic on stage,' this promises to be a night filled with belly laughs and aching sides.

The show starts at 8pm.

For tickets call the Platform box office on 582803.

January 13, 2003 11:00