Russell Kane talks to Amie Mulderrig about those faux pas situations when commuting on the underground

People brushing up against you, the foul smell of under-deodorised, smelly armpits and inane chatter on mobile phones – where else could you find these social mishaps than on the Tube. 

These awkward little moments passengers encounter are set to be explored by comedian Russell Kane, who has joined forces with BRITA, for an intimate gig in London next week. 

“I’ll be incorporating little bits of observational stuff I’ve learnt about travel when I’m on my journey,“ explains the 34-year-old stand up, who lives in Woodford Green.

 “There will be a few bits about how people fall asleep on you on the Tube, how people brush up against you, smelly armpits… getting lapdances from old ladies... you know, the usual stuff… all in a blistering hour of stand-up.“

TV star Russell is well-known for incorporating observations on Tube travel into his act, particularly in his smash-hit Smallness* show. 

Describing what makes Tube travel a rich source of material, he says: “The Underground is a metal ‘test tube’ filled with the essence of British reserve.

 “We are trapped for at least the duration of a ‘stop’ in the close scrutiny of our fellow passengers – so any small faux pas we make has the potential to be magnified into a dreadful embarrassment.

 “After 60 long seconds pressed up against a total stranger, even such an innocuous thing as making accidental eye contact can feel like a proposal of marriage!“

And for those wondering if Russell has ever committed a social etiquette faux pas on the Tube, he’s quick to admit he has.

 “Obviously falling asleep on top of someone, eating smelly food, loud music… these are bad.
“The dramatic leap through the doors is a bad one, thinking you’re showing everyone how quick you are, but it literally means nothing.

“But the worst for me? Thinking you’re talking to your girlfriend, only to find that it’s someone wearing similar clothes and you’ve put your arm around them. Or seeing someone you recognize and shouting at them, only to discover, it’s not them at all.“