5 stars

*****

Firing cheeseballs at a dog?  What’s all that about then?  Well, put simply (and so as not to ruin the story that provides the answer) it’s all about looking for the little gems in life.  The joyous times.  The happy moments we experience and then just move on.  This is the basis for an absolute humdinger of a show from Davies.

Many will be used to seeing Davies as part of ‘We Are Klang’ or as Mr. Gilbert in The Inbetweeners.  However, here Davies is out on his own and, in my opinion, is all the better for it.  The show is essentially a life story, where Davies takes us through various points in his existence thus far and explains where he found these little moments of sheer joy.  Davies used to be a drama teacher at a comprehensive school and, as a secondary teacher myself, I thoroughly warmed to his section on the weirdness of the kids that he taught.  His characterisation of each of these pupils is sublime and this segment is beautifully worked and linked together.  And this is only one example from many, each of which holds up to a similar standard and forms a wonderful narrative.  At times I was able to look around the room and see audience members doubled over with laughter, tears streaming down their faces.

Davies stated that the segments he had chosen for this show were free of consequence.  However, he does reach a point near the end of his set which could be considered quite emotional.  Having spoken fondly of his prim and proper mother and his ‘mental’ 70 year old father, we reach a moment where Davies recounts his discovery of his parents’ fragility.  It’s to his credit as a storyteller that the audience treat this small section with true respect, hanging on his every word.  Of course, Davies is quick to whip us out of this with another perfectly timed comic gem, bringing the show to a joyous end.

There’s no simpler way to say this: Greg Davies is achingly good.

Reviewed by Di

Venue: Pleasance Courtyard, Pleasance Upstairs

21.45