Review - Rob Brydon
Date Reviewed: 30th March, 2009
Venue: The Palace Theatre
Many people know comedian/actor Rob Brydon for his TV roles in comedies such as Marion & Geoff and Gavin & Stacey. This year, Brydon has been selling out venues without the addition of an ‘&’, as this time he is totally solo and in stand up mode. He does allude to his most famous roles, but he would be a fool not to, wouldn’t he?
Without the aid of a script though, this talented and engaging performer keeps the laugh coming thick and fast, even when he veers away from his material and improvises, which he does regularly with relish.
The main bulk of the show revolves around being Welsh (some lovely astute observations about Rhyl), recalling his wife’s labour (Damien’s birth had nothing on this!) and the key differences between men and women (women keep their mobiles in their bags and never answer them!) and on the whole, he hits the comedy bulls eye more than he misses.
At times, you feel that the show is slightly too gentle and twee, but there are also some real priceless moments along the way. Brydon excels when he interacts with his audience, as this is a sight to behold. Never once forgetting their names, he refers back to them constantly, coming up with a new joke/annecdote to make you chuckle with relief that you are not his helpless target!
One poor audience member, Andrea suffers for having an annoying voice. But he does not really pick on her in a hurtful way. He manages to mock with affection as opposed to reverting to the old school style humilation.
He finishes the evening with “Islands In The Stream”, much to the delight of the capacity audience. The only low point here is that Rob is joined by Peter Kay. The problem is that the Bolton born performer seems to be present at every other gig or comedy show and it renders the ’surprise’ inevitable.
Rob Brydon though has the audience laughing non-stop and proves that there is more to him than the comedy vehicles that he steers so successfully. He is a great observational comic and you would be wise to book a ticket for his return date in May.
-Glenn Meads
March 30th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
I was there along with three of my mates. Have to say it was a fantastic show and felt very off the cuff, which he delivered brilliantly. We were sitting close to the back and as it was my stag doo, would like to apoligise if anyone found us bit loud. (my mate was the one shouting at RB)