It was Friday night, in Salford, at the Quays Theatre. The "full house" audience was buzzing. The electric atmosphere combined with an evening of top notch, refreshing comedy was the ideal ingredient for a worthwhile night out at the theatre. That it was.
For the first half of tonight's show, the audience were presented with Jonny Awsum. He spelt his last name wrong because in the best possible way, he was an idiot who could do whatever he wanted to. Jonny repeatedly said he was, "the warm up act", but to be honest it felt like he was selling himself short: he was just as excellent as Lost Voice Guy. Lost Voice Guy performed in the latter half of tonight's comedy set. His real name is Lee Ridley and he's famous for winning Britain's Got Talent and recently performed at The Royal Variety Performance.
First to take to the microphone, Jonny Awsum. His comedy style resembled Tim Minchin. He performed a set of songs on guitar, the hilariously naff lyrics conveyed various awkward and problematic scenarios we may have found ourselves in. You had pop songs, ballads, even musical theatre numbers. Cleverly, he reworded the lyrics to numerous, well known songs including, "Under The Sea" from The Little Mermaid and "Back For Good" by Take That. This was a hit with the audience.
His interaction with the crowd was second nature and he had entertaining ideas for participation too. There was a pleasant and clean sound to his guitar playing; performing songs with zeal. One of the highlights of the act was when he got most of the audience to get their phones out and switch their lights on, like at a concert. It was funny because this wasn't a large scale arena concert, in reality it was some mad guy trying to attempt to make it one - at the same time it was a delightful moment of audience and performer connection.
Last, but certainly not least, was Lost Voice Guy. Lee Ridley has Cerebral Palsy and cannot talk so his iPad does his talking for him, both in real life and on stage. In his own words: he is a struggling stand up comedian who struggles to stand up. His witty, cheeky, sarcastic, and dry style of comedy raises awareness of people with disabilities. The show makes light of a serious situation. His set was autobiographical and revolved around frequently asked questions people ask him.
The content of his script exposed perceptions about disabled people, and delved into topical, social and political issues. It fluctuated between comedy and something more serious. That shift in tone could be recognised in the audience's reaction. I loved the play on words and down to Earth humour throughout. There were some "laugh out loud" jokes regarding the electronic voice he uses to communicate. An electronic voice which sounds like the person doing the train announcements or when you're in the post office and the voice tells you to go to cashier number five. The play with technology in this performance was so effective: both clever and rib-tickiling.
Again, in Lost Voice Guy's own words, now that he has hit the big time, nothing will shut him up - except for a power cut. Lee Ridley uses dark comedy to raise awareness and educate people about individuals who live with disabilities. He employs comedy as a platform to examine what changes and attitude shifts need to be made in our current society. Lee Ridley has found his voice and it's a wholehearted and side-splitting one.
Reviewer - Sam Lowe
on - 15/2/19
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