Review: Chris Addison

Simon ParkinFor many Chris Addison is best known for his role in the political satire The Thick Of It. Yet the man himself sets great store by his stand-up roots. Strange then that the comic pickings from this show should be so meagre.Simon Parkin

Norwich Playhouse

For many, if not most, in this sell-out audience Chris Addison is best known for his role as Ollie in the political satire The Thick Of It. Yet the man himself sets great store by the fact that his stand-up roots pre-date his comic acting big break, "It's my day job," he states.

Strange then that the comic treats from this, his first major show in five years, should be so meagre, not helped by his manic nervousness and garbled delivery.

And while there were enough laughs to ensure it wasn't total disaster, that the two major themes of the first half were those two hoary old comedy chestnuts joining a gym and being rubbish at school sports, only pointed up the slim pickings on offer.

A livelier second half, saw things improve slightly with a funny look at sex tips for married people gleaned from his wife's magazines, the drawbacks of driving a Popemobile and a brilliantly baffled examination of the appeal of Ugg boots.

However when things turn to politics, it's surprisingly uninsightful. The BNP are lumpen-headed idiots, and that's about it. He's saved by a hilariously confused explanation of Norwich politics from the audience.

Run-of-the-mill rants about Wifi and credit cards follow, suggesting a future beckons as a 21st century Jasper Carrot.

Chris, don't stick to the day job.