Another fine night of comedy at the Villa
REVIEW: Julian Clary, Lord of the Mince VENUE: Gaiety Theatre, Douglas (Wednesday) REVIEWER: John Gregory
There is definitely something special going on when it comes to the Island and comedy.
So many different comics have played here over the past few years I have lost count.
Just days after Al Murray, the Pub Landlord played a sold out Villa Marina, Julian Clary – the master of the double entendre, novelist and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant – appeared in front of an enthusiastic audience at the Gaiety.
I recall Julian Clary's early days on TV and now, at the age of 50, he still puts on an outrageous and entertaining show. He even arrived on stage on rollerblades.
Most of the subjects discussed could not even be printed here, but the first half of the show consisted of Julian in stand-up mode, telling us about his farmhouse in Kent which used to be owned by Noel Coward, the fact the media failed to do anything special to mark his half century and some gossip about the Strictly Come Dancing live tour.
Virtually everything he said was innuendo and it was a funny start to the evening.
Personally, I much preferred the second half of the show, which saw Julian in more of a variety role - albeit with adult content.
He started the second half by reading from the Isle of Man Examiner.
This trick has been done by several visiting comedians over the years but Julian didn't have to add any quips, the way in which he read the stories made them funny enough.
He read out a couple of minor crimes and also the discussion about the acts announced for the Manx Telecom Bay Festival.
But he really found form when he selected two audience members and brought them up onto the stage to try and give them psychic powers.
This involved them each wearing a blindfold and eating and drinking whatever Julian gave them. They then had to try and test their powers by aiming to move a teddy bear off a chair with the power of their mind.
Julian also sang a couple of comedy songs which were very funny – and very rude. The closing song was his own unique take on the classic folk song Frankie and Johnny, but no-one had ever heard these particular lyrics before!
I left the Gaiety still laughing at a couple of the more rude gags and Julian was an immensely likeable chap. However, I am sure there were probably some people in the theatre who had seen Julian on Strictly Come Dancing and really didn't know what they were in for.
Overall it was another fine night of comedy at the Villa Gaiety complex. Another comedian of a very different style indeed will be in the Island tonight (Friday) - Ken Dodd is performing at the Villa Marina.
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Weather for Isle of Man
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 3 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 7 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: South west
