Josh Widdicombe, Soho Theatre - review

Chatty observational humour that calls at everyday comedy junctions before spinning off in interesting directions, somewhere between the slickness of Michael McIntyre and the befuddlement of Alan Davies
Safe pair of hands: Josh Widdicombe
5 April 2012

Josh Widdicombe is such a safe pair of hands he could be a top goalkeeper. Within minutes of starting his Soho run he encountered a vociferous fan celebrating her birthday. The tousle-haired twentysomething skilfully silenced her with some gently nuanced improvisation, making her night rather than scuppering it.

From there Widdicombe seamlessly eased into his chatty observational humour that called at everyday comedy junctions before spinning off in interesting directions, somewhere between the slickness of Michael McIntyre and the befuddlement of Alan Davies. Discussing computers he explained why when a file crashes he always refuses his laptop's invitation to send error reports: "I'm not a grass." On breakfast bars he wondered why anyone would ever choose to eat somewhere less comfortable than at a table.

His show hardly builds to a profound climax, unless one considers gags about unusually-sized gift shop trinkets profound, but the laughs ripple consistently and there are beautifully wry reflections on growing up in a Devon village. No one would ever rob his family home because there was nothing valuable enough to cover the petrol costs, Widdicombe concluded. His talent for comedy, however, is priceless.

Until Saturday (020 7478 0100, sohotheatre.com)

Josh Widdicombe
Soho Theatre
Dean Street, W1D 3NE

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