Lee lived up to every expectation

Charlotte Cross

01 May 2008

Lee Evans, Artrix, Bromsgrove, April 21

EVERYONE at the Artrix expressed the same two emotions - one of excitement that Lee Evans was appearing in Bromsgrove and one of confusion as to exactly why he chose to play this venue.
One of the funniest men in Britain, who can sell out London's O2 Arena within an hour, performing to just over 300 Bromsgrovians?
The reason? He wanted to road-test his new material before his big tour later in the year, giving Bromsgrove comedy fans an exclusive preview of what the bigger shows might hold.
He managed to live up to every ounce of expectation radiating from the audience. Running around and flailing his arms in his signature style, the audience was kept in fits of laughter from start to end. Even during the interval, the air was filled with laughter as people re-lived the first half.
He took the reactions of his fans to heart, ditching the few jokes which did not raise enough laughs and keeping those which had people screaming with laughter - literally, in some cases. Future audiences should watch out for his rant about supermarket etiquette, the use of sporting equipment against criminals and the eternal joke - men versus women.
He finished the evening by thanking the rapturous audience profusely, and treating them to two encores - one of which consisted of an interpretive dance to Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody.
And, after nearly three hours of solid laughter, the audience leaft, stomach and cheek muscles aching and immensely satisfied.
It will be interesting to see how the material has developed at his next Bromsgrove show, which takes place on May 26.
Charlotte Cross

Tories claim overall control of council after Labour vote crumbles»

Free meal drive as hundreds miss out»

Bras on show»

Is this censorship by our libraries?»

Redditch is definitely not a hell-hole»

Redditch should be proud of its people and environment»

I feel sorry for Mark Hill’s next neighbours»

Church Road site subject to more planning delays»

Blackadder's Tony to visit furry friends»

There's comedy in cricket»

Tribute to James - he was "the most beautiful of Mother Earth’s creations"»

Alex wins cleanliness award»

Reds are already looking ahead»

Departing Cunnington sets double trophy target»

Boss aims to leave on a high»

Eagles fly ahead»

Redditch & South Warwickshire Combination results round-up»

Studley finish a whisker in front»

Bees boss has much to build on»

Arrows strengthened in their aim for top»