The past year and a half hasn't delivered many reasons to laugh. It hasn't seen many big-name international comedians hit our stages to try to get us giggling and guffawing, either. And, if you wanted to end 2021 by chucking at Bill Bailey, that isn't going to happen either. Back in May, the British favourite announced that he was bringing his En Route to Normal tour to our shores this October and November, which would've marked three years since he last had the country in stitches back in 2018. But those plans have just changed due to Australia's COVID-19 restrictions, so you'll need to wait until September, October and November 2022 instead. Known for everything from Have I Got News for You and QI to Spaced, Hot Fuzz and Skins — and Black Books, obviously — Bailey will be pondering some of life's big questions during his delayed En Route to Normal sets. And, while the pandemic is certain to get a mention, he actually named the show before lockdowns, social distancing and always knowing how many active cases are in your state became our current definition of normal. Bailey will still kick off the tour in Queensland, before making his way — and taking his distinctive locks — to Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Plus, in some states, he won't just be sticking to capital cities. Tickets for 2021 dates will be transferred over to their new 2022 equivalents. [caption id="attachment_812863" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andy Hollingworth[/caption] BILL BAILEY EN ROUTE TO NORMAL TOUR 2022: September 22 — Empire Theatre , Toowoomba September 24 — The Events Centre, Caloundra September 25, 27–28 — QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane September 30 — Star Theatre, Gold Coast October 3–4 — Riverside Theatre, Perth October 6 — Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah October 9 — Wrest Point Entertainment Centre, Hobart October 10 — Princess Theatre, Launceston October 12–13 — Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide October 15 — Costa Hall, Geelong October 17–18 — Wollongong Town Hall, Wollongong October 20–22 — Palais Theatre, Melbourne October 26–28 — State Theatre, Sydney October 30–31 — Civic Theatre, Newcastle November 1 — Coliseum Theatre, Sydney November 3 — Civic Hall, Ballarat November 4 — Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo November 5 — Royal Theatre, Canberra Bill Bailey's En Route to Normal tour will make its way around the country between September–November 2022. For further information and tickets, head to the tour website. Top image: Brian Marks via Wikimedia Commons.