Petrolhead hero takes cars to big stage

Jeremy Clarkson will relive the motoring show, onstage. Photo / Supplied

Although generally known for presenting BBC's Top Gear motoring show, and now its live theatre spin-off, Jeremy Clarkson has written for Performance Car, Esquire and the Top Gear magazine. He is also a regular columnist for The Sunday Star Times, The Sun and is the author of many best-selling books.

Now a larger-than-life character, Clarkson first hit the small screen on Top Gear back in 1989, and is well-known for his outspoken comments and utter lack of concern for the planet, and people's feelings.

When asked if he was concerned about the carbon footprint his show leaves, he replied: "Not even slightly bothered. When you live in a miserable, pissy wet place like Britain, global warming is a good thing."

Although his looks and demeanour would normally preclude a successful television career, Clarkson has turned it into an art form, and moved into hosting his own chat show called, funnily enough, Clarkson. He presented Meet The Neighbours and recently appeared in the Great Britons series, arguing the case for Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

His opinionated and humorous tongue-in-cheek style has often generated much public reaction.

He also found a significant following from the public at large, being credited as a factor in the resurgence of Top Gear to the most popular show on BBC Two.

On his last visit to our shores, he said: "The last time I was there I spent most of the time jet boat racing ... going about a trillion miles an hour around a puddle. So if that's anything to go by, the car scene should be ten-fold."

Clarkson is looking forward to a return visit. "We've turned your favourite motoring television show into the most spectacular motoring theatre show in the universe."