one4review | On 12, Aug 2025

 

With every show being packed out, the numbers tell their own story. But then Liam is telling an even better one. His. And it is resonating with the audiences too.

It was ten years ago I saw him deliver an excellent hour on getting sober and even this early offering, one could tell that he was going to be a class act.

Big Strong Boy is loosely hung on The 4 Pillar of Happiness principal, and is a vehicle for his story, from early life growing up in Dagenham, at 18 leaving suddenly to move to Edinburgh for Uni, and just staying.

The story is told, warts and all, early drinking, unrequited first love, his parents lack of IT skills, his desire to go to Drama school, gradually getting straight, all told with honesty, yet Withnail does so in a way that draws laughs at every juncture.  The sometimes, unexpected call backs to previous material and gags add to the experience.

It is delightfully written, extremely funny and his performance is spectacularly laid back. No rants, no posturing just relying on his talent and presence to deliver a top-quality hour. I have seen a number of his very good previous Edinburgh shows and feel this is by far his best.

This is a show that should not be missed. Don’t leave it too long or there will be no tickets left.

*****

Reviewed by Geoff

Monkey Barrel 1

18.10 to 19.10

Until 24^th  August (not 13^th)