Interview: Count Arthur Strong creator Steve Delaney on the character's origin | Ticketmaster UK 

I hope he realises how amazing he is for creating such a wonderful character. So underrated. He’s a comic genius.

This man is a genius. I saw him as Arthur at Exeter. Best night out and my stomach hurt so much from laughing

Had the privilege of seeing Arthur in concert last night in Norwich. With the bonus that he signed merchandise etc after the show and I got a quick chat, signature and pic. Steve is a lovely bloke, very humble. If he is touring near you, get out and indulge yourselves.

One of the best entertainers I've ever seen. Love the crazy character and his unbridled confidence.

Only just discovered CAS and I'm obsessed. I haven't cried with laughter in ages, but he has me in tears. Amazing character.

I stumbled across a broadcast about 15 years back, it was an instant connection. I loved it. The brilliance is evident instantly. I wait for the voice changes, I adore the meanderings. The scripts are precious. Great cast, and perfect situations. I was hooked. I am not a geek, therefore have little idea about series numbers or what year this or that was produced. Got to admit to a cut off when it was on TV, I listened to some 2016 stuff this week, and it put me right back to when I first heard Count Arthur.. The character is exceptionally wonderful. My all time favourite. Only had one opportunity to see him live in York. My wife had never heard of him, but accompanied me to the show. To hear her manic laughter was a joy to behold. Long may this continue. Count Arthur is phenomenal.

I popped out to get tickets for the show & came back with a bag of offal

please come back on the radio 4 it was gold

Had the privilege of meeting Steve Delaney twice at the Theatre Royal in Winchester. He came out to the foyer to do signings after the show - lovely guy. I had been under the impression that the Count himself was going to come and meet his adoring public, but apparently he was a little the worse for wear having got the neck off a bottle of scotch, so he sent Steve as his representative . . .

The man is a brilliant actor....and writer. Count Arthur Strong is one of the greatest comedy creations i've ever seen. He never ever fails to make me roar with laughter. A true comedy genius.

He's a genius comedian.Wonderful character.I haven't cried with laughter in ages

Saw him at the Burnley Machines last night. Excellent show in every aspect. My sides ached all evening laughing. A masterpiece of classic comedy never to be surpassed. Thank you for an amazing evening never to be forgotten.

I’ve seen Arthur live a couple of times now, sodding marvellous.

Saw the wonderful Count Arthur at Caste in Doncaster last night. It was a joy from minute one but the final half an hour was truly one of the most sidesplittingly, crylaughingly, bentdoubly, laughoutlouduncontrollably 30 minutes I’ve ever seen. Catch this genius while you still can as his farewell tour can’t go on forever ….although after last night I’m not sure Arthur knows that. I always love hearing Steve talk with such intelligence and warmth about the gem of a comedy character he has shared with us for so many years. Lovely stuff

So glad that he enjoys the character lovely to hear so many character actors end disliking the person.rock on Arthur we love you.❤😂🎉

We need the Count back on TV! Pure genius.

Would live to see him live. Good that he pointed that out its only when Arthur starts talking is where the humour is. When ever I feel low I think yes Arthur and it works every time. The NHS should hire him.

One of the best comedy characters!! I've cried with laughter countless times at his insane ramblings x much love Steve Delaney xx

make some more tv or radio shows please...you are the best !

Always worth seeing this chap live........forget the rather poor TV show.......the radio and stage shows make me cry! xx

I've seen him live 3 times,he is fantastic,I really do

He's a genius comedian! So extraordinary!🏆🏆🏆💯💯💯

Love his meandering ramblings and clever word play, a complete joy to your ears and makes you realise what a fully rounded character he is, let's get him back on TV instead of some of this so called " comedy " which is about as funny as something that's not funny at all

I bought a series cd set at one of the Count Arthur Strong shows and I never tire of playing them. Very funny.

I was waiting for the twist at the end where it’s revealed that Steve’s just sitting there on his own

I love count arthur strong. He's one of the funniest men I've ever seen. I'm going to see the tour he's talking about today. I can't wait 😁

You rarely ever see anyone so completely get into character the way Steve does! I consider him a comic genius of our time & can't wait to see him, sorry I meant CAS, in Nov. After the show I will report back about how good it was, at the highest level you can imagine & cut through all those red tapiers, I really do!

Count Arthur is brilliant I have seen him 3 times on tour now .. all excellent

I found the tv sit com and loved it. Beautiful character

Came across Count Arthur on BBC iPlayers ‘featured’ section…omg what a gem of a TV show! SO FUNNY! Wish I could find the whole show in the US.

I've got my tickatapes, wickets, oooohhhh tickets to see Anita Harris oh, Count Arthur in Doncaster next February, I really do. And let me tell you this, You'll have to get up a long time before me, to catch me coming back from where ever it is I've been. And there was no fruit. That's how tough it was.

Always wondered. Now I know. The bloke behind it all. Brilliant!!

There used to be an Arthur in every pub years ago 😅

Only just discovered Arthur, i have been crying tears at some of the sketches. What a character, cheers Steve.

Thank you so much, for creating this characteri I coping with long Covid and he has really made me laugh so much .😂

Brilliant show mate. I came to it late. Wish it was continuing. Very funny.

I’ve just watched this through the wonders of the Ilfracombe, such enlightened times we live in.

Such amazing guy just met him after his performance in Aberdeen, and truly brilliant performance, he is one of those seeking folk you wish you could spend more time because he is so interesting

Count Arthur Strong always reminded me of Harry Worth. When I met Steve Delaney after a Count Arthur Strong show, I wish I'd asked him whether Harry Worth was an influence.

I saw the two latest shows 'is there anybody out there' and 'the sound of mucus'. Brilliant

We love the Count!

What a wonderful gem

Wonderful character. Marvellous bizarre humour. Thank you for all the laughs Mr Delaney.

GENIUS

Steve is gradually turning into Arthur as he gets older

Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Steve Delaney, same class and originality Brilliant original comedy.

Met Steve in Chelmsford some years ago, very nice guy.

Just seen the Count in Buxton on his alleged final tour, utterly sublime comedy. Steve Delaney is right up there with John Cleese, Ronnie Barker, Barry Cryer et al in the writing stakes.....catch him if you can, its a joyous 2 hours guaranteed.

Excellent.! So much better on the Radio

I saw this show for the first time on Netflix in May 2021 and wow This is absolutely brilliant, though it looks rather stupid initially, the character of Count Arthur Strong is portrayed in such a way the character becomes real. The funniest show I have seen ion a long time, please make more......I have watched 3 series 4 times and still laugh every time.

Steve Delaney, Stan Laurel and Bob Mortimer are the only 3 comedians who can always make me physically laugh out loud. All three know how to extract a visceral reaction fom the audience and they do it perfectly.

Got my ticket to see The Count once again :) I can't wait!!

A pure genius.

Thank you for giving us Count Arthur.

Hysterical genius.

Sheer talent and a joy to watch and listen to. More of this sort of thing, please!

Arther strong forever great stuff should be back on the TV but i first heard hin on radio think that was even better

A titan of comedy! There is a very small number of comedy actors capable of creating a whole universe that stands independently of the shows they appear in. I can only think of Dame Edna and Alan Partridge. The character of Arthur is hilarious because it is supported by a beautifully constructed background and acute observation. He is a modern myth. There's a bit of Arthur in all of us, I really do. The TV-versus-Radio controversy is rather pointless. Of course the character is less misanthropic on TV, but the producers had to make a judgment call, and I think they were right. The character of Arthur is strong enough to be pulled in different directions to suit the medium. Let's hope we see a return of Arthur to either radio or TV before too long. Thank you so much for all the pleasure over the years!!

Mr Delaney is a genius . When he did Arthurs version of the sound of music and also the flying lesson sketch just thinking of them makes me laugh . Arthur is a wonderful warm lovely man .

Can’t wait to see him in Swansea in March 2020. Tickets already bought and now counting down days 😊

Very underrated - Count Arthur Strong is a comedy great right up there with Delboy, Blackadder and Alan Partridge. The daft BBC cancelled his TV series but luckily I've got the DVDs.

Hes a comic genius !

Just love Count Arthur Strong! He is one of comedy's great inventions.

Brilliant

We love you!!!

Thanks Steve, for bringing us all the funniest character in decades. He/ you should be on a prime time slot on our televisions mate, and our radios too on a Sunday lunchtime. The character is utterly unique and simply hilarious, and I'm sure many of us know an older gentleman just like Arthur, but without the theatrical background. We need you back on our screens immediately, my friend. I wish you rainbows. Do some podcasts even. That will spread the word, I'm sure.

Been a fan since 'e were on radio.

The background music added enormously to this interview. Thank you.

I’m screaming for more Arthur. On the telly!

Superb stuff keep it coming!

The tour’s been a hit with all the crickets.

Started watching on Netflix, really enjoying it. I was in stitches by episode 3. Especially the free willy reference to the Salmon. Great show so far, love it.

The first time I came across count Arthur radio show was on radio 4extra many years ago, I was laughing so much if I had been driving I would have crashed my car, seen him 3 times live now, he is truly a one off 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Astounding work as a sustained comic character. The toughest part of what he has created, is to constantly refresh the character so the entire atmosphere he creates is a never ending sweet which never loses its flavor or melts away. Cast in the genre of Chaplin, Bean among others. He is the live human version of a silly puppet. Much loved, respected and cherished by us all...

I wish he was back on telly, loved the TV series and radio shows.

Love it. I actually am very taken with the TV show as well, particularly the “clocks going back episode”. Reading his book at the moment with Arthur’s voice in my head. It’s very funny.

There is a unique skill in playing an old timer with such conviction that young people relate

After many years away from the UK and living in Florida, I discovered Arthur by accident this year. I never knew who Steve Delaney was, but he’s got some imagination. I think I’ve listened to all of the CAS radio shows there are. I find him incredibly irritating at times, but that’s what makes him who he is. His friends on the show deserve medals.

Steve is a comedy genius.

You are hilarious. I'm booking Leeds!

The Count is my favourite comedy character from the last 20 years - the radio show especially. I’m disappointed that the show isn’t on the telly or the wireless anymore - it was really developing well as a tv series, and the radio show used to have me in tears of laughter - but I’m glad that there are new tours. I really do.

Absolute comedy genius,up there with Alan Partridge and Basil Fawlty,British brilliance.

Long live Steve Delaney! Long live Leeds!

Great stuff

brilliant man

One thing springs to mind when the name Count Arthur Strong is mentioned, but I can't remember what it is !

From the tv series, my all time favourite episode has to be the one with the flying lesson, and the gang fight with "The Urchins". I laugh every time I think of it.

Genius!

Very excited to see the big man in... May?

OMG is this the same Stephen Dillane ( Delaney ) who I swooned over in the Rectors Wife? Poor fella, all his notable acting achievements and im citing a mere 3 episode guest appearance ..lol . he was in Poirot xmas special too? Sergent Coombs ?

Count Arthur, I hope you realise the strength of your following. You are a Genii and an expiring aspiration to these of us who are still sufficiency praying mantis to get what you may or er.. may not be on about. And with that I’ll sing off…

Comedy genius - thanks for Arthur Steve a truly special creation.

I can just imagine Count Athur Strong stumbling into Royston Vasey and perhaps encountering Edward and Tubbs. I think he'd fit in really well, "local" or not.

Superb. My dad's from Moortown too. No1 fanxxx #RoopaTroopa

The first time i saw Count Arthur Strong, i couldnt help but be INSTANTLY reminded of LEAGE OF GENTLEMAN.. Kenny Harris's Dog Cinema Kenny has the EXACT same accent almost scarily so.. i have to wonder if it was influenced from that character.. i tried to find a video of it.. but alas.. nothing surfaced.. it is uncannily similar.. tho.. i guess the leeds accent as a whole is fairly specific.. and taken to its extreme.. i guess it must sound a certain way!!! Amazing character.. shame there was only 3 seasons :(

the tv and radio progs are really the best of the best. another great is Stella St.. ITV´s Jeeves and Wooster. That´s all I can think of that is on another plane.

I could see count Arthur and Reenie singing especially for you the Kylie and Jason hooligan hit

Comedy genious

Absolutely love count Arthur, very clever underrated comedy, it works better on the radio for sure ,TV show wasn't as good 👍

Count Arthur Strong & John Shuttleworth ought to try a combo. Sparks would fly but it would be hilarious ?