Joseph Morpurgo: Soothing Sounds For Baby, London
Not everyone likes comedy that seeks to do something radically different by fusing bold creative ideas with the techniques of experimental theatre. If you’re the kind of audience member who prefers everything straight down the line and accessible, you’ll want to stay away from the work of Joseph Morpurgo, because this isn’t an ordinary kind of show. It’s presented as an instalment of Radio 4 warhorse Desert Island Discs, with the voice of Kirsty Young (carefully assembled via smart audio editing) subjecting Morpurgo to an intrusive, emotional and increasingly drink-fuelled interrogation. This framing device surrounds a series of inspired sketch vignettes, involving some of the best character comedy acting you’ll see anywhere, a fair number of imaginative coups de theatre, and some rather disturbing audience interaction. All of this may have the smell of extreme cleverness but Morpurgo never falls into the trap of empty intellectual posturing masquerading as comedy; this is a show that, while being thought-provoking, never forgets where its next big laugh is coming from.
Soho Theatre, W1, Mon to 13 Feb
25 Years Of Reeves And Mortimer: The Poignant Moments, On tour
When Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer announced their 25th anniversary tour – 17 years after their last major live shows – fans were delighted. Then a heart attack and a triple bypass incapacitated Mortimer and forced the pair to cancel the first leg of the run. Now, he’s fit enough to get back on stage for a proper extravaganza celebrating the duo’s brand of northern surrealism. While Vic and Bob’s own interplay is always a delight, their characters – such as the high-pitched geordie Stott brothers, and appalling easy-listening folk act Mulligan and O’Hare – are also worthy of mention. While we can rejoice at this live return, with Shooting Stars dead and House Of Fools not coming back, it feels like high time for TV execs to allow Reeves and Mortimer to return to the sketch comedy they do so brilliantly.
Sean Lock: Keep It Light, On tour
Although it’s had a creative shot in the arm with its Countdown spinoff, 8 Out Of 10 Cats is not to everyone’s taste. However, one of the reliable pleasures it provides comes via the casual observational mastery of team captain Sean Lock. Week after week, Lock acts like he’d rather be anywhere else on the planet – as if the whole process of recording a panel show is one of trudging misery – yet manages to pick up most of the biggest laughs. On the live stage, his withering analysis of everyday life is uninterrupted, allowing us to see him at his best. It’s easy to underrate the craft of observational comedy but a performer such as Lock shows you that in the hands of someone who works hard and doesn’t settle for second best, it’s a form of stand-up that’s as worthy of respect as any other.
