NOEL Fielding is about to embark on his first solo tour for five years.

The comedian, who has an enormously loyal following thanks to his work on The Mighty Boosh, Noel Fielding’s Luxury Comedy and Never Mind the Buzzcocks, is starring in a new show.

Featuring Noel’s inimitable blend of stand-up, animation, music and appearances by some of his best-loved characters, including The Moon, The Dark Side of the Moon and Fantasy Man, it’s a blinding show. As Noel himself puts it: “You’d be a fool to miss out. Come along, bring your Nan. Fancy dress optional.”

Noel and I are chatting in his north London studio. Surrounded by props – including life-size cardboard cut-outs of a robber with a stripy jumper and a swag bag and a nun wielding a huge gun – and his own arresting paintings, he makes for marvellously entertaining company. It is a delight to spend an hour in the company of this hilarious and magnetic comedian.

The Daily Telegraph calls him “A comedy wunderkind”, while The Guardian has described his work as “A neo-psychedelic riot of mirth.” Phill Jupitus labels him “A Gothic George Best.”

The five years away from the live arena have only whetted Noel’s appetite for stand-up. He can’t wait to get back in front of an audience.

The performer, who has spent the last few years occupied by the meticulously produced, semi-animated E4 show Noel Fielding’s Luxury Comedy, begins by underlining that nothing beats the rush generated by live work.

“The problem with TV is that it takes years to make, and after a while you can’t remember what it’s like to tell a joke and get a laugh from it.”

Because it’s so deeply original and innovative, Noel’s comedy can divide people. But he thinks that the infectious nature of his stand-up show can help to win over the agnostics.

“Some people might think they’re allergic to you, but if they come to a live show and see everyone is laughing, it’s hard to say that it’s not funny.

“It was the same with the Boosh. Sceptics were convinced when they came to our shows.”

“As a stand-up, you spend all day being nervous. But as soon as you step onto the stage and get the first laugh, it’s magic time. It’s like being in a dream. It’s a real buzz.”

The comedian will be joined on stage by his brother Michael Fielding (best known as Naboo and Smooth from The Mighty Boosh) and Tom Meeten (who plays Andy Warhol in Noel Fielding’s Luxury Comedy).

“The first half is set in a cabaret club,” he says. “Then I get kidnapped from my own show, and in the second half the rest of the characters have to find me. I’ll be playing other characters during the second half. It becomes like a play. It’s a sort of farce.”

The evening will also feature music that Noel has composed with Serge Pizzorno from Kasabian and some characteristically entrancing stand-up routines.

He said: “I touch on turning 40 and my Peter Pan complex. Because I’m now 40, I try to do a bleak bit, but of course it soon becomes completely fantastical. I attempt to go gritty, but I can’t help going fantasy.”

The comedian attempts to sum up the style of the show. “It’s so abstract. It’s like you turn the radio dial, and something random comes on. You’re not quite sure what it is, but you warm to it.”

The only drawback about touring as far as Noel is concerned is that, “You’re buzzing with adrenaline when you come off stage. You have to do something with that, and it’s very hard not to go and get drunk. In the old days, we’d give the Rolling Stones a run for their money with our after-show behaviour.

“But now I’m in my forties, I have to find new ways to calm myself down. Like Mick Jagger, I’ll have to get fit. After the show, Michael and I used to go drinking. This time we’ll have to go to mazes and local markets and drink peppermint tea.”

An Evening with Noel Fielding is coming to the Mayflower on November 16. To book tickets, costing £27 go to mayflower.org.uk or call 02380 711811.

JAMES RAMPTON