Tim has steadily drawn bigger crowds, and hopes to move to the NME/Radio 1 Stage next year.

"At the festivals this year, the gigs felt like watching Barenaked Ladies - someone that fits the other side of the line. Hopefully that's where it's heading," Minchin comments.

He's quick to point out that it won't mark a huge career change: "Not that I want to stop doing comedy, it's just really fun to rock out. I've always done that at festivals," adding: "My stand-up's really long-form, meandering and worder - I never do any of that. It's always much more like a gig anyway."

Tim did note his ambitions to do one thing he's yet to do over his 20-year career as a musician - record a studio album.

He says of his goal: "I don't wanna suddenly flip on people and start writing serious songs, although I do want to make an album one day."

"I'm not talking about suddenly being ultra-straight, it'll always be quirky, I just mean non-comic," he explains, noting that he doesn't think it would be a huge shock to anyone.

"I think it would be pretty obvious to people that that's inevitable."

The festivals, and indeed his live shows in general, allow Tim to live out a "rock star" fantasy, something he sees the irony in.

He laughs: "It's always been like that. When I walk out on stage, or come out of the floor surrounded by smoke at the 02 - we're joking, but it's indistinguishable from Madonna, in that moment."

Tim adds: "it's hilarious - it's the best fun ever, cos you get to have your cake and eat it too. You get to be a rock star, and laugh at rock stars."

Part two of this interview will be online tomorrow, as Tim discusses his lyrics, his orchestra-backed arena tour, his DVD and the future.

Tim Minchin And The Heritage Orchestra will be released on DVD and blue-ray 14th November. It can be pre-ordered at amazon.co.uk.

Female First - Alistair McGeorge

Tagged in