TELEVISION'S most relaxed chefs, Simon King and David Myers, are getting on their bikes for a new venture, their first live show – The Hairy Bikers' Big Night Out.

The recipe for a great evening is gripping stories from their past, mixed with anecdotes from their global travels, enticing cookery demonstrations of recipes from all over the world, and garnished with comedy.

Simon and David will be reminiscing about their trips to places such as Southern India, Turkey, Argentina, Romania and Mexico as well as diving into the photo album for baby pictures. The audience at the Princess Theatre in Torquay will also be able to see their screen test for the Hairy Bikers TV show and watch them prepare a three-course meal in 15 minutes.

The Hairy Bikers are effortlessly magnetic performers, so a live show seems a natural progression for them. "We hope we're good with people," says Simon, who hails from Newcastle. "We like folk. Folk are generally brilliant.

"A live show gives you instant gratification. When you film, it's always deferred gratification. But when you're performing live, you can say to yourself, did they laugh? Yes! Great. That makes me feel really good!"

The Hairy Bikers have really struck a chord with audiences. They have fronted several BBC Two programmes, including The Hairy Bikers' Cookbook and The Hairy Bakers.

Viewers seem to enjoy their company because they so clearly enjoy each other's company. Their chemistry is completely unforced.

Simon says: "Dave and I have been friends for a very long time. We were doing trips together long before the cameras were there. I think there is a lot of integrity to our shows.

"People relate to us because we're just ordinary fellas. We're cooks, not chefs. There is a normality and a familiarity about us. People will have friends like Dave and me."

Dave takes up the theme. "Si and I genuinely are mates. With us, what you see is what you get. Also, we've never done the same thing twice. In life, you want to keep changing and trying new things.

"Another thing is, we've never patronised people. For example, on Mums Know Best, we always let the mums speak for themselves. It's dead honest."

Simon says that the two are great enthusiasts.

"There's already enough cynicism in the world, and if two people refuse to be cynical, that's refreshing. Long may it continue. If I ever become a rotund, miserable, cynical git, please do tell me!"

In staging The Hairy Bikers' Big Night Out, Simon and David have received invaluable help from their good friend, the comedian Bob Mortimer.

"It's Bob's arena," Simon explains. "He's so talented and has been very sharp about shaping the show and giving it a narrative."

David chips in: "Bob has made it a show rather than a collection of rambling stories!

"He's a great editor. He's used to crafting shows, so this will be a proper night out. Never fear – people will not feel short- changed."

The Hairy Bikers remain appealingly self-effacing about their achievements.

"We'll keep going as long as people want to watch us," says Simon.

"We're flavour of the month now. I'm sure when it stops, we'll be like sucking sour plums!"

Dave summarises the show: "It's going to be really good craic. It'll be like coming out to have a great laugh with Si and me."

The Hairy Bikers' Big Night Out is at the Princess Theatre, Torquay on Sunday, February 28. Box office: 0844 847 2315.