At the start of An Evening With The Fast Show, Charlie Higson suggests that catchphrases are not intrinsically funny. But through a mix of talent, luck and alchemy a random phrase can become hilarious. Even, offered Higson hopefully, something as banal as "Soho is not what it was."
This comedic attempt to launch a new catchphrase set up a neat running gag in this extended reunion tour 31 years since the BBC show first aired. The surviving cast relived their Fast past while a touching tribute was paid to the much-missed Caroline Aherne, with a montage of her best bits from Scorchio and beyond prompting the loudest cheer of the night.
Is this gathering a shameless waist-deep nostalgia wallow? Of course. But it was also an opportunity to see how The Fast Show slots into comedy history. Various shows of a similar vintage, Little Britain for instance, doesn't seem quite as pithy any more.
The Fast Show has lasted though. Perhaps because it is so comic-book silly, as we were reminded here by Paul Whitehouse selling "cheesy peas" and Simon Day and John Thomson playing knockabout clowns. But there was also depth. Thomson, for example, sitting silently next to an empty chair where Caroline Aherne would have once sat.
The first half juggled thumbnail sketches with an account of their origin story, when mates Whitehouse and Higson saw snippets promoting Harry Enfield's TV show and were inspired to make their own series out of only short skits. The smutty Suit You tailors, coughing Bob Fleming and many more were born.
All the greats popped up during this lengthy gig. Mark Williams got huge roars for his "You ain't seen me right" geezer without even uttering any lines. Simon Day's cockney eco-warrior Dave Angel now sells electric cars of dubious provenance. John Thomson revealed that the musicians in his Jazz Club routine were named after tube stations. Meet Leicester Square and his brother Russell. Nice.
A glimmer of seriousness was provided by Arabella Weir, who talked about sexism. She and Caroline Aherne had proper parts and were never consigned to supporting roles. Weir's big moment onstage was inevitably reprising her trademark “does my bum look big in this?”
While the production was lo-fi - no elaborate sets, though the wig bill must've been huge – there were plenty of highlights, including a celebration of aristo and labourer twosome Ted and Ralph, created by Graham Linehan and Arthur Mathews, "or as we now call them, Arthur,” deadpanned Whitehouse. Higson revealed that Swiss Toni's filthiest lines were supplied by Paul's fishing pal and nation's sweetheart Bob Mortimer.
There were a few contemporary nods. A quip about pronouns here, a reference to Andrew Tate there. But this was essentially about revisiting the past. Soho might not be what it was, but give or take a few paunches and grey hairs The Fast Show is precisely what it was. As brilliant as ever.
The Palladium, to November 22 and January 19 - 22, then touring. Tickets and information here: thefastshow.live
