What’s On previews Whose Line Is It Anyway? in Abu Dhabi, at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island. Read quotes and get ticket information.

It’s been one of the most popular nights on the Dubai comedy circuit for a number of years, and with another stellar line-up this time around, you can be sure the crowds in Abu Dhabi enjoy Whose Line Is It Anyway? just as much.

Ahead of a four-night run in Dubai, the chaps will have one show in the capital, at Park Hyatt. Ahead of the event, on May 17, we caught up with one of the stars, Andy Smart.

I love the feeling of improv comedy, it’s liberating. I’m often surprised at what comes out of my mouth.

My first ‘joke’, or one I could paid for at least, was in 1980. Boxing Day, 35 years ago at The Everyman Cellar Bar in Liverpool. I was paid to do a poem that poked fun at an Adrian Henry poem called America. I wasn’t told he’d be in the room.

We’ve got a great line-up this year. Stephen Frost (main pic, top right) is the punster. He is a naturally funny man. Steve Steen (main pic, far left) is the rude one. You think he can’t go any further, then he finds a way. Ian Coppinger (main pic, bottom right) is the brains of the outfit. He knows all sorts of stuff, especially 1970s pop. His nickname is two bellies, because he eats meals between meals.

The whole performance is more like having a night out with friends, but there’s an audience watching.

My comedy hero is Tommy Cooper from the old days, and Sean Lock from my peers.

The best improv scene I’ve performed was when Steve Steen and I did a castaway scene on a desert Island with an owl. Steve played the owl.

May 17
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm, Dhs150. Tel: (02) 4071234. Taxi: Park Hyatt Saadiyat. abudhabi.park.hyatt.com