one4review | On 09, Aug 2017

Going in to this show, I had two questions: 1) is it hastily rewritten, or would it just be repeating his ‘best bits’ from Unspun? Many a comedian does repeat their TV highlights, but it would be a risk for an act who’s raison d’etre is being topical and fresh, and if an audience comes to see you live, they have already seen your TV show.

The second question was will the show seem hastily, and possibly poorly, rewritten, just to stay topical. Again, some acts can get away with this, but would be a long way from Matt Forde’s confident, slick persona.

Happily for me, it was way more topical than a ‘best of’, while still being very much up to date. If you like Unspun, you’ll love this – Forde at his best, with a tightly written hour of stand up and impressions, covering elections, the DUP, Brexit, Hague, BoJo, Milliband, Blair being back, Corbyn’s Glasto trip, Lib Dem chaos, UKIP and Farrage.

He hit the nail on the head with “Trump Guilt” about finding him so entertaining, and deservedly won rounds of applause for various gags and impressions. He even sneaked some valid political points in there, all without loosing his carefully balanced line through the machinations of Westminster and beyond.
The show felt fresh, yet carefully honed, up to date, yet nothing about it seemed hasty, rushed or not fully thought through. Just the right balance.

*****
Reviewed by Gill
Pleasance Courtyard
20.30-21.30
Until 27th