In the climate of fear we currently live in Russell Howard is pure comic therapy. Set in the intimate space that is Pleasance Below, Howard does not just amuse his audience; he strips away any trace of negativity leaving you feeling really quite amazing.
To watch this man perform is a spectacle to behold; his supply of comic material is seemingly inexhaustible giving him the ability to jump from one train of thought to another whilst delivering an awe-inspiring succession of anecdotes. The real genius of his work though is the fact that he brings everyone on board in such a way that they can all relate to the stories he tells. With spectacular comic observation he transforms the mundane occurrences of everyday life to the hilarious.
Using no more props than the clothes he is wearing and his facial expressions, he highlights the ludicrous nature of how we deal with awkward social situations and the absurdity of media-fuelled fears and prejudices. Intentional or not, what he does is quite powerful, as he makes you laugh at your own insecurities and, in so doing, deflates them.
Howard’s innocent-but-highly-corruptible looks allow him to add extra layers of cheekiness to his routine and gives him the ability to shock everyone with an occasionally filthy remark. His boy next-door demeanour is the perfect compliment to his comic style and makes the whole show an unusually intimate experience.
This man is a natural born master of comedy; see him live while you can!
5/5
Matthew Straw
