Straight-talking, sharp witted American comedian Rich Hall, who has a way of leaving his audiences reeling in stitches is back on tour with his brand-new show 3:10 to Humour. And this award-winning funnyman, who is perhaps rightly so one of the funniest American comedians, will be coming to Watford for one night only.

Rich, who has made a number of successful appearances on TV shows such QI, Live at the Apollo, Channel 4’s Comedy Gala Live at the O2 and Have I Got News For You, says he is excited to be performing live again.

“I love being on stage. I love the fact that when a live show is over, it’s gone. It’s happened and it will never happen like that again. It can’t be replicated. That’s a great magical moment.”

The 61-year-old, who won two Emmys writing for The David Letterman Show in the US, thrives on the spontaneity of live comedy. He says: “In every single show, there are always two or three moments where I’m thinking, ‘ Wow, where did that come from?’ You’re constantly thinking on your feet.”

A unique feature of Rich’s show is how he goes out of the way to find out about the town he is performing in.

“I try to tap into what is happening locally and address that musically by writing an improvised song based on the town I'm in,” he explains. “Audiences really appreciate this bespoke comedy. Once they realise you’re not just trotting out your regular act, people think, ‘He’s made a real effort. He’s on our side, so we’re on his side. Then you can take them anywhere.”

He goes on to say: “I like to do something custom-made every night, otherwise you would just be like a robot. That can really wear you down. Nobody gets more sick of hearing their own voice than a comedian.”

Rich, who has written three books - Magnificent Bastards, I Blame Society and Things Snowball, has also enjoyed success as a country and western musician. His music alter ego, Otis Lee Crenshaw, talks of how “when you’re improvising a song, you think, ‘I may never do this one again, but it’s a special moment for everyone here.

“Music works in my shows because it connects with people on a very personal level. A lot of comedians just come on stage and say, ‘I was on a bus and I passed so and so. But that is just a reaction to something rather than a specific custom-made song that engages people.

“The magic is more important than the material. People really respond to that.”

Back to Rich again, who continues to speak about how much he enjoys stand-up and being on stage - “I’m not a big showbiz hound, but for me being on stage is the most satisfying thing imaginable.”

Rich Hall will be at Watford Palace Theatre, Clarendon Road, Watford on Friday, March 4. Details: 01923 225671