"I'M BASICALLY a show-off," Al Murray tells me when I ask why he became a comedian, having studied history at Oxford University.

It couldn't have been a better career move for the 43-year-old, who has become a household name and one of Britain's top stand-ups for his alter-ego, The Pub Landlord.

The character, also known as the Guv'nor, will share his outrageous opinions as part of the Barrel of Fun Extra tour, extended due to popular demand, which visits the Beck Theatre next Wednesday (29) and Thursday (30).

"A lot of people study a subject at university which they never end up using," Al explains.

"I fell in with a bunch of people doing stand-up and comedy and when I left Oxford, I decided to give it a try.

"The Pub Landlord isn't based on anyone or anything," he reveals. "I was doing another act with Harry Hill at the Edinburgh Festival and we needed something to link the show together.

"I said, 'how about I be a pub landlord?', and it just clicked. The rest is history!"

Almost 17 years later and Al has become synonymous with his burgundy blazer-wearing, beer-guzzling creation.

"The Pub Landlord is bonkers – he thinks the earth is flat, and that aeroplanes can only fly because God carries them!" laughs Al.

"He is absolutely loony but also pretty naïve. I am nothing like him," he insists, "except we both like the sound of our own voices!

"People do sometimes approach me thinking I am the character but they quickly realise it's an act because I don't sound anything like him."
So what subjects are currently dear to The Pub Landlord's heart?

"It's usually topical, for example people in the news, such as Osama Bin Laden or Kate Middleton," Al tells me, "but it's hard to be specific as it changes every night.

"It also depends on the audience – the people sitting in the front row can push the show in a whole new direction.

"Believe it or not, I often get people who actually want to sit in the front and argue with me!"

Al, who has twice been listed in the Channel 4 100 Greatest Stand-Ups, says he is particularly looking forward to visiting Hayes.

"I haven't played at the Beck in ages and this is one of the reasons for extending the tour, to go back to clubs that helped me make my name, or places I have never visited before, such as Shetland."

The comedian has no plans to hang up his Pub Landlord hat – however he is currently juggling the role with hosting a new TV quiz show, Compete For The Meat.

Currently airing on Dave, the programme sees members of the public vying for the top prize, a coveted frozen chicken (with sausages for runners up), before a live studio audience.

"Last year a couple of friends and I wanted an excuse to go to Edinburgh Festival so we came up with a meat-themed game show," Al explains.

"It turned into a television programme, although that wasn't part of the plan, we really didn't expect it to get picked up.

"The Pub Landlord plays quiz master, with glamorous assistant, Zoe Salmon, and show mascot Mr Giblets.

"There will be general knowledge rounds, a pub challenge and a quick fire finale called Meal or No Meal.

"Teams could be called 'Thick and Slow', banished to the Sin Bin, or even replaced by random members of the studio audience. It's a good laugh for everyone involved."

And Al admits to being something of a meat enthusiast himself. "You bet!" he answers jovially when I ask if he enjoys barbecues.

The comedian, who was recently immortalised when Walkers created a 'Steak and Al Pie' crisp flavour, cites Victorian gastro pub, The Roebuck, in Chiswick, as his number one watering hole.

"It has great food and a nice bar but the best thing about it is there is no jukebox – I hate other people picking out music I am then forced to listen to!

"My favourite tipple is beer but put something in front of me and I'll probably drink it – except tequila, I had a nasty experience when I was 19, one that will never be spoken of again!" he chuckles.

As for the future, Al's ultimate ambition is work with his comedy hero, Steve Martin.

Our conversation ends with him offering a few words of wisdom for would-be comedians: "Work very hard, save everything you write and never give up," he says.

"There is no magic formula, it's not like the X Factor.

"I have been doing this for a long time and there is a lot still bubbling under the surface.

"Ultimately, I am really happy just to keep working. I feel privileged to have what is probably the best job in the world."

Al Murray visits the Beck Theatre next Wednesday (29) and Thursday (30) at 8pm. Tickets cost £26.50. For more information, visit www.becktheatre.org.uk or call the box office on 020 8561 8371.