If ever there is an apt description of Ed Byrne then in my opinion the title of this DVD sums it up succinctly. Crowd Pleaser is what he is for sure,
Now I saw an early version of what this tour became way back in October 2010 when it was still a ‘work in progress’ albeit an exceptional quality one and subsequently saw the finished article in April when he visited Dunfermline, again to a sell out show, as part of his enormous tour. This DVD was recorded at his Newcastle gig shortly after that.
From the onset till he finishes some 80 minutes later he never fails to deliver what the audience want, that being top draw observational comedy in his own inimitable style and surely one of the very best stand-up’s currently around.
Some other comedians DVD performances I have seen seem to be slightly remote like they are on TV, but the feeling I got from watching this was that I was actually part of the Newcastle City Hall audience. Byrne is, as he always has been, a top quality observational comedian, and an engaging personality too. His material as always is well constructed and superbly delivered, yet with the odd foray into audience chat proves he can riff with the best of them too. His material is wide and varied, I especially liked the segments about his newly born son and the family’s adopted cat, but in truth there was not any weak points, as those of you who saw the tour will know.
Now no doubt there will be numerous comedy DVD’s available this Christmas so the selection will be difficult. Let me make it easier for you, if you are only buying one then buy this one, if you are buying more, then buy this one and something else too. And don’t watch the Queen after Christmas dinner. Hell no! Watch Ed Byrne because as it says on the tin he is a real Crowd Pleaser.

DVD released on 28 November available from all good stores and Amazon