TAPE recordings of a comedian’s conversations with his late grandfather are the inspiration for a new show coming to Bolton.

Tom Wrigglesworth is bringing his heart-wrenching and hilarious show — Utterly at Odds With the Universe — to the Albert Halls on Sunday, March 16.

Direct from a sell-out run at last year’s Edinburgh festival, the Sony Award winner goes on an emotional journey from childhood to adulthood, exploring the poignant and profound relationship with his granddad, Cecil Bradley.

Tom, whose show Tom Wrigglesworth's Hang Ups is on Radio 4, said: “It happened when my granny moved into my mum and dad’s house, into the basement.

“When she died, I found a box of tapes. “

Tom and his granddad had frequently taped themselves interviewing each other and audiences can expect elegant flourishes of language, twisted logic and whimsical storytelling as the comic explores the fantasy of being able to make one final interview.

Tom, from Sheffield, said: “We just used to record lots of mad things.

“I use them as a starting point. It’s a story about me growing up with him. Me as an adult, using his lessons. Realising I’ve become him really.

“He was a very sweet man, very practical, I was about 14 when I realised you had builders and decorators and plumbers and joiners. I just thought granddads did it.”

The 37-year-old began performing stand up comedy in 2003 after caving in to friends' repeated requests to try his hand at it.

Tom, who previously worked in the telecommunications and satellite industry , said: “I got the confidence from somewhere, a combination of that and the general realisation that if I don’t do it now, I’m never going to sort of thing.”

His visit to Bolton comes half way through a tour of about 40 dates and Tom admits life on the road can be a little strange.

He said: “When you’re on tour, you’re just going from boredom to panic and back again.

“I’ve not really been outside of my car, bed, dressing room or stage for a whole week.

“It’s really weird. I can see why people go a bit mad.

“I’m driving myself, I set virtually everything up. I’m in charge of everything.”

Speaking of audience’s reactions to the new show so far, he said: “Most laugh a lot and cry a bit.”

And what does he think the man himself — his beloved granddad — would make of it?

Tom, who will take the tour to New Zealand next, said: “I think he would be very proud.

“Knowing him he would, and I mean this in a very good way, he would find some way to fix it.”

Tom Wrigglesworth: Utterly at Odds With the Universe will be at the Albert Halls, Bolton, on Sunday, March 16. Call 01204 334400.