Craig Ferguson

Despite the writers’ strike, many late-night talk-show hosts will return to their desks in January. This means a lot of unscripted joking around, but The Late Late Show’s Craig Ferguson is used to it. Fans know the Scottish-comedian-turned-host ditched the script for his introductory monologues a few years back. Ferguson admits the lack of writers will hurt the show, but he’s one of a few who shouldn’t be too worried about holding it down on his own.

He’ll get some practice today with a performance at Verizon Wireless Theater, where fans can check out his off-camera personality (quick preview: there’s a lot more cussing). Ferguson’s comedic style leans toward the self-deprecating as he discusses his two divorces, battle with alcoholism and inability to measure up to other celebrity Scotsmen like Sean Connery. “What is he, like, 130 years old and the sexiest man alive? What the hell is that?” Ferguson says in one bit. “Twenty-year-old women are like, ‘Oh, Sean Connery is so sexy.’ Come on! He’s in a walker, for Christ’s sake.” 8 p.m. 520 Texas. For tickets and information, call 713-230-1600 or visit www.verizonwirelesstheater.com. $39.
Sun., Jan. 6, 8 p.m., 2008