one4review | On 07, Aug 2023

Simon Munnnery’s offering this year does definitely hover on the boundary between comedy and art, and that shouldn’t mean that it’s judged a bit rubbish at being either, it should mean that it could be amazing as both. Whether that’s achieved in this show, the jury’s still out.

Delivered in his customary chaotic style, it encompasses literary criticism, engineering, Madonna, dogs, bob Marley and other whimsical elements. There are lots of good starts in this show, even the least of which Simon has the skill and experience to make into something scintillating and brilliant, but little of which seemed to be developed into anything satisfying.

Fans of Mr Munnery know his style: a bit absurdist, but not to the point of exclusionary, and a lot whimsical, some of which hits and some which doesn’t. If it doesn’t, there’s something else to move on to, and the show meanders along in this way, not very deep but covering a lot of ground. Mr Munnery has the skill of being mildly disappointed you don’t also find things funny, and turning that into a fault with the audience, without losing the goodwill of said audience.

People without prior knowledge might be a little lost. One young man across the room couldn’t hide his utter bewilderment and slight worry. This is a low-key show with no great belly-laughs, sufficient for fans, but perhaps not enough for newbies.

 

Reviewed by Laura

The Stand 1

15:15 (1hr)

Until 28th (not 14th)