Sand-up comedy is a very subjective matter, and oftentimes rather difficult to review: not wanting to give away any of the comedians' jokes, not wanting to offend.... oh, wait a minute; that's what comedians do all the time isn't it? Find humour from something that some people would be offended by? Well that certainly was the case with one of this evening's acts: the well known Gary Delaney.
Delaney is no stranger to most, including this reviewer, but I will say again what I have voiced several times already: he is much better on the TV. His TV routines are somewhat censored and are the better and funnier for it. Here, he seemed to simply take delight in becoming more and more crude, telling jokes for their shock value rather than them being genuinely funny. If a member of the audience winced or sucked in through their teeth at a particular joke (I did on a few occasions myself) - then he would simply tell another joke even ruder, even more base and inflamatory. The unfortunate part of all of this is that I actually did find a lot of what he said genuinely funny, but I would appreciate him all the more if he stuck to his TV persona.
Delaney was sandwiched between two other acts, neither of whom I have had the pleasure of watching live before. The first comedian to take the stage this evening was veteran (I use this in the most honorific of senses!), Mick Miller. He was, in a single word, brilliant. His observational humour was clever and funny, and his delivery superb. Moreover, during his entire 20 minute spot, there wasn't a swear word in sight. (well, only one.. but it was relating what someone else had said!) Old school and an obvious professional. What a delight!
Delaney was sandwiched between two other acts, neither of whom I have had the pleasure of watching live before. The first comedian to take the stage this evening was veteran (I use this in the most honorific of senses!), Mick Miller. He was, in a single word, brilliant. His observational humour was clever and funny, and his delivery superb. Moreover, during his entire 20 minute spot, there wasn't a swear word in sight. (well, only one.. but it was relating what someone else had said!) Old school and an obvious professional. What a delight!
Finishing the evening was a comedy double-act called 'The Rayomd And Mr Timpkins Revue'. With little or no dialogue, and using exceprts of famous songs, they created humour by taking the songs a little more literally than they were ever intended, using word cards, props, etc to make the humour. It certainly isn't an original idea (but then again, what is?) but their craft was eivdent and their timing and togetherness superb. A very polished act which had me crying with laughter.
The evening was compered by Scouse comedian Chris Cairns.
The evening was compered by Scouse comedian Chris Cairns.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 11.9.21
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