Laurence Clark’s first experience of the NHS was not a good one. It was a long and painful labour for his mother on New Year’s Eve, during which Laurence suffered a lack of oxygen. As champagne bottles popped, breech-born Laurence was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. It makes him an unlikely champion of the service, but that’s exactly what he’s doing in his latest comedy show Health Hazard, which comes to the Dugdale Centre next week.

“My own life has been profoundly shaped by it. I have had some pretty dodgy treatment over the years,“ says Laurence, speaking from his Liverpool home, “the NHS is not perfect by any means. But I don’t think you realise what you’ve got until you see what it’s like not having it.“

The father-of-two saw that reality in America, where, soon after President Obama had his healthcare reforms fervently opposed, Laurence took to the streets with a camera crew to sell the alien concept to the American people. His footage and findings form the latest show, which received critical acclaim when performed at Edinburgh Fringe last year.

“It was like I was speaking a different language,“ explains the 38-year-old. “They see healthcare as a commodity, something that you buy. I think we see it more as a right, as a human right.

“I asked people on the street what British healthcare was like, and you get all these horror stories, like something out of a Dickens novel! Or else their reaction is about socialism and communism, they see it in those terms.“

While stateside, Laurence also attempted to buy health insurance. His condition meant quotes instantly skyrocketed by 50 per cent or more.

“If you have a problem, someone gets really good treatment while someone else can’t afford it. They don’t really see that as a problem. It’s pretty much everyone for themselves there.“

Our conversation is punctuated by the sound of giggling children. It’s the school holidays and Laurence’s house is hosting a kids’ party and get-together for the parents. “It’s a bit chaotic!“ he adds.

Laurence and his wife Adele, who also has cerebral palsy, have the NHS to thank for delivering their two children, Tom, eight, and baby Jamie.

Home-life is helped by personal assistants and a specially adapted home, part-funded by the state.

The help allows him to spend around 100 nights of the year performing in comedy clubs across the country, which include six years of acclaimed Edinburgh Festival shows.

“I’ve had my fair share of dealings with the NHS over the years, and I’ve been as guilty as the next person for slagging it off,“ adds Laurence. “But I hope people will realise what they may have previously taken for granted.

“In many ways the NHS is like that mad, old auntie everyone in the family moans about, yet the minute outsiders criticise her we all leap to her defence.“

Laurence Clark’s Health Hazard is at The Dugdale Centre, London Road, Enfield on April 19 at 8pm. Details: 020 8807 6680