one4review | On 19, Aug 2025

Emmanuel Sonubi is huge, in stature, in presence and above all in comedic talent. From the onset he filled the room with his personality. He had the sold-out Pleasance Cabaret Bar in the palm of his hands and never let go.

He quips about being thought of as a bouncer, he was in a previous life, his skinny jeans, and his wearing of glasses on stage after an incident in a New York Comedy Club, and although in his forties he feels it is a different time to be that age than when his parents were.

The main thrust of the set was a very serious heart condition he suffered, maybe partly brought on by a hedonistic lifestyle, but an extended period in hospital, in intensive care with cardiomyopathy, he decided to tone down the high life.  Around the same time his mum was being treated for cancer, fortunately both are survivors.

He has a cornucopia of anecdotes on oh so many topics, he loves to ‘drop’ the odd name into proceedings, compare his upbringing with that of his own kids, a colonic irrigation procedure, cruise ship work, swearing and so much more. I tried to take notes but the quantity and especially the quality of the show defeated me. I was laughing too much.  Sonubi plays his crowd like a comedy virtuoso, and a master of ‘winning  back’ following occasional darker bits with a cheeky, beaming smile.

And there is a simple message in the conclusion, oh and a very unexpected finale.

*****

Reviewed by Geoff

20.10 to 21.10

Pleasance Cabaret Bar

Until 24^th August