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.
You may also want to watch:
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.
Most Read
- 1 New 20mph speed cameras to tackle NDR rat-runners
- 2 'They're blaming me' - Social housing tenant angry over state of flat
- 3 Affordable, high quality retro furniture store coming to city
- 4 Audi driver more than four times over alcohol limit in Norwich
- 5 Pupils will start September term in different school over safety fears
- 6 Large estate to have its first food store this autumn
- 7 Body found at Mousehold Heath there for 'considerable amount of time'
- 8 Major £800,000 revamp proposed for busy city road
- 9 Police called to troublespot Norwich hotel 324 times in two years
- 10 Have your say on plans for new nature reserve on edge of Norwich
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.
