US comedy star Russell Hicks heads to Exeter with new tour

American stand-up comic Russell Hicks is set to bring his latest tour to Exeter next month, with a one-night performance at Exeter Phoenix.

Titled This Time It’s Personal, the show will see Hicks return to the stage following a breakout year that has taken him from the UK comedy circuit to the big screen. The comedian is set to appear in upcoming feature films including The Running Man, directed by Edgar Wright, as well as Maintenance Required, produced by Amazon MGM Studios.

Hicks’ rise in recent years has been fuelled in part by his hugely popular ‘Dear Diary’ Instagram series, in which he documents his experiences of living in Britain. The videos have attracted millions of views and a rapidly growing online following, helping to propel him into mainstream film and television.

Alongside his screen work, Hicks has built a strong reputation on the live circuit, with appearances on ITV’s Stand Up Sketch Show and the BBC, as well as winning the Captive Audience on Channel 4 with his fully improvised style.

Before his online success, he was already a recognised name in comedy, earning two Best Show nominations at the Leicester Comedy Festival and winning the Prague Fringe Festival in 2024. He continues to headline major venues across the UK, including a residency at Top Secret Comedy Club, and has supported acts such as Al Murray, Simon Brodkin and Axel Blake.

Known for his improvisational performances, Hicks delivers a different show each night, often drawing on audience interaction and spontaneous material -  a style that has seen fans return multiple times.

In 2022, he was officially endorsed as a Global Talent by Arts Council England.

Following last year’s show, which focused on his life in the UK, Hicks’ new tour promises a more personal angle, as he turns the spotlight firmly on himself.

Russell Hicks: This Time It’s Personal comes to Exeter Phoenix on April 12.