COMEDIAN Phil Cool is to come out of his own self-imposed retirement to perform a special charity show in Barnoldswick next week.

The Chorley-born comedian stopped touring in 2013, announcing that he had had enough of all the travelling after a lifetime on the road and on TV. But on Wednesday night he will step back into the spotlight at Barnoldswick Music and Arts Centre where he will share the bill with his son Joe Martin, a rising star of the British Americana scene.

“I’ve had my arm twisted, but I don’t mind that every now and then,” laughed Phil, who will be raising money for the Concert for Kids charity which helps the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.

The charity was set up by Peter Barton who owns the venue after the hospital provided treatment for his grandson Ashton.

“I’ve actually played at the venue before,” said Phil who lives in the Ribble Valley. “It must be 10 years ago or more and I did two nights there when a previous owner had it.

“It’s such a good cause and I’m expecting it to be a really good night. I’m looking forward to it and I’m actually quite excited. It will be a really intimate show.”

In the Eighties and early Nineties, Phil was one of the biggest comedians in the country with his own TV series on both the BBC and ITV. His own version of rubber-faced lunacy and his uncanny impressions won him a legion of fans.

He is also an accomplished musician and songwriter in his own right and has toured with former Fairport Convention guitarist Ken Nicol.

“For the show, Joe will do around 45 minutes or so and then I’ll do whatever. They’ll probably have to drag me off,” said Phil. “I’m going to do a couple of straight songs then do some funny songs then some stories and impressions and observations. It’ll be the usual Phil Cool loonery really.”

In 2013 Phil announced his farewell UK tour, bringing an end to the demands placed on an artist by touring

“I’ve done all that,” he said. “I’m getting on a bit now (he’s 70) and it’s nice to just relax and not have to worry about getting down the M6. Barlick’s just down the road for me so it’s no big deal.”

A show close to home was one of the reasons Phil was persuaded to get involved with the charity show.

“I’ve been asked to do several other things but I’ve tuned them down,” he said.

“Apart from it being such a good cause, I think it’s because it’s a music venue which gives me the opportunity to try out some songs as well as do the comedy.”Part of the appeal, you suspect, also lies in the fact he’s working with Joe.

Phil is very much a proud dad, delighted at his son’s success.

“I’ve performed with Joe a few times in the past,” he said. “Of course he’s a lot better than me which is a bit difficult so I’ve got to pull the comedy out of the bag.

“Although Joe doesn’t really do any comedy his chats in between songs gets the audience laughing so I’ve told him for Barnoldswick to just forget the comedy and concentrate on the songs,” he joked.

“But although he’s just starting off, he’s a brilliant songwriter. He’s hit the ground running if that’s the right term. He’s done his homework and he’s ready for it. Certainly, all the things are lining up for him .”

Joe has recently supported the likes of Lindisfarne, Big Country and even The Osmonds.

They may be sharing the bill on Wednesday but Phil ruled out any songwriting together.

“If he plays me a song I’ll just say I like it or I don’t,” he said. “Similarly he will listen to my songs and now and again will give me a compliment if I’m lucky. But we’re from different backgrounds. I grew up listening to the songs of the Sixties and Seventies whereas he’s more or less fresh really.

“But I’m really proud of him.”

Phil Cool with Joe Martin, Barnoldswick Music and Arts Centre, Wednesday, January 30. Details from 01282 813374 or www.barnoldswickmusicandartscentre.com