It's a funny old world for Sean

Except for one, as comedian Sean Hughes is discovering.

"I really lay into Stephen Fry," says the comedian who brings his solo show, What I Meant To Say Was ... to Oran Mor in Glasgow's West End next week.

"It never gets a big laugh and I don't expect it to," he adds. "I talk about how we all have black holes in our education, except for Stephen Fry who knows the meaning of every word, except for 'dignity' and 'integrity'.

"Why else would he prostitute himself by doing every ad from car insurance to tea? You can't have it both ways, Mr Fry. You can't pretend to be a national treasure and then sell yourself for money. It's the most annoying ad ever."

The ad Hughes refers to does, of course, feature the voice of another of Britain's great comedy statesmen: Paul Merton. However, he escapes the Irish comedian's wrath. "I don't have a go at Paul Merton," explains London-born Hughes, "because I didn't expect anything from him; he doesn't say anything different.

"That's why I wouldn't have a go at Lenny Henry for those appalling hotel ads."

Hughes is one of the most respected comedians of his generation. In 1990, when he was 24, he was the youngest recipient of the then-called Perrier Comedy Award.

That event fast-tracked his career via his own television series, as well as a series of novels, plays and acting roles. These have included roles in The Commitments, The Last Detective and, more recently, Coronation Street.

He recently returned to his old stomping ground of stand-up comedy. Now a little older, a little wiser, he is pulling no punches.

"I also have a go at Edith Bowman in the new show," reserving some wrath for the Radio 1 presenter, who is Scottish.

"I saw her on a television at Glastonbury talking to the singer of Doves and she actually said: I know what you mean cos we're in the same business.

"All she is doing is introducing records! My whole point was it is slightly annoying to see people with no talent getting on."

The self-enforced stand-up sabbatical is at an end, and this month Hughes takes his show on the road. It it, he says, a huge relief to return to his first love: stand-up.

"I left stand-up for eight years then realised it is the thing I am best at. I feel really natural on stage. Stand-up comedy is the only art form where you can say exactly what you want. That is an amazing thing and it gives you an amazing freedom."

The new show is, he admits free from any real theme. He explains it is more of a documentary about ageing.

"I am 43 and look at the world from a 43-year-old's point of view. It covers everything from getting old to terrorism in the Middle East."

There is also a sense that Hughes' new-found bitterness owes a lot to being let down by erstwhile idols.

"I also talk about how people always talk about the good old days and what a lie it is," he says. "The perfect example is Johnny Rotten selling butter.

"One of the most precious moments in my life is a memory of when I was 22 and doing my first world tour.

"I was in Tasmania, in the capital Hobart, and had my Walkman on and was listening to Iggy Pop singing I Wanna Be Your Dog, which is the most submissive, sexy, animalistic song ever.

"I was walking past the harbour and it made perfect sense and life was brilliant. Then when he did that car insurance ad he stole that moment back."

Hughes is realistic enough to see the irony in his forthcoming appearances in Miss Marple and Casualty.

"Yes, I'm doing the Christmas Casualty," he says. "It's slightly tongue-in-cheek. It isn't for money, I like doing things where I turn up unexpectedly."

Hughes' tour will keep him on the road until the end of the year.

"Once the Casualty Christmas special comes out, Hollywood will beckon," he jokes. "So I won't be talking to the likes of you any more - unless you can afford the flight over to the Beverly Hills Hilton." Sean Hughes, Oran Mor, Sept 26, 8pm, £15, from 0844 395 4005 or www.ticketsoup.com