Renowned comedian Jim Davidson took his nationwide tour Not Yet Cancelled to Medina Theatre on Friday, September 8.

Since his BBC contract ended in 2002, the once king of Saturday night has been the subject of frequent criticism.

Yet his live act has continued and now into his 49th year in showbusiness, Davidson is still delighting audiences across Britain.

A representative from Medina Theatre told the County Press: “Medina Theatre welcomed Jim Davidson back to the stage earlier this month.

"He entertained his fans for the second time this year with his sell out show.

"We look forward to his brand-new show Swimming Against the Tide returning in March 2024.”

Ahead of the  show, I contacted Davidson’s agent regarding the possibility of having a few minutes with him for my podcast Beyond The Title.

It’s always difficult to interview figures who actively divide public opinion as it’s impossible to find the balance between celebratory nostalgia and investigative journalism.

For a subject like Davidson, it wouldn’t be right to solely concentrate on his vast achievements of which there are undoubtedly many, without bringing him to account on some of the more controversial aspects of his work.

As I awaited a response from his agent, I started to ponder on how I would create the most appropriate tone for the interview and then I realised that this was probably going to be my biggest challenge yet.

Davidson might be controversial in his sociopolitical ideology and outspoken views on issues which have divided opinion. Yet there is still a section of the viewing public who appreciate his bawdy humour.

The role of a journalist is to feature subjects devoid of personal bias or agenda so it would have been difficult for me to have found the perfect balance.

To his audience, Davidson still remains one of the sharpest minds in comedy and to interview him, you would be required to accept this.

However, to not challenge or push him on some of his extreme views would arguably be a disservice to modern society.

The utter genius of the late Isle of Wight showbiz reporter John Hannam was that he was able to see the talent in everyone and was devoid of confrontation and sensationalism. Instead he carefully revelled in the habitual glamour of showbiz.

As a disabled journalist and podcaster, I would be fascinated to know how Mr Davidson would have reacted if he had accepted my invitation for an interview.

If I had indeed rocked up to Medina Theatre in my wheelchair accompanied by a carer, would he have spoken to me or would he have seen me as a threat to his social philosophy?

I guess we’ll never know.

However, while there’s an appetite for this old school style of comedy, I guess Jim Davidson is here to stay.