Chris Addison – Lowry Theatre, Salford

Reviewer: Dave Cunningham

The Public Reviews Rating:

As a Mancunian Chris Addison has the local knowledge to open his show at The Lowry with a series of gags that are all the more funny for being specific to the area. Rather than employ general remarks about gentrification Addison points out that the redevelopment of nearby Langworthy amounts to little more than creating a middle-class oasis in the middle of a tough neighbourhood. The well-publicised architectural innovation of putting the bedrooms on the ground level is mocked as risky under these circumstances.

As a BBC presenter Addison enjoys biting the hand that feeds him by anticipating the reaction of his colleagues who are destined to move to Mediacity in Salford. He suggests that their new ID cards will feature a look of stunned horror. He also mocks the audience at The Lowry for choosing a venue that can be anticipated as providing a safe night out.

For an apparently mild-mannered chap Addison has a refreshingly honest way of tackling the problem of irritating latecomers. He chases them around the auditorium demanding to know the reason for their tardiness.

After this spiky opening the show glides towards blandness. The first half is built around Addison’s self-deprecating routine drawing humour from his lack of sporting and sexual prowess. This is far from new – Woody Allen did the same thing decades ago but he added a surreal edge whereas Addison’s approach is closer to simple description.

The second half takes a more political approach even if the targets are really obvious – Daily Mail readers, the Pope and – here’s topical – the country’s reaction to the recent heavy snowfalls. By far the best part is a routine in which Addison’s imagines how Nick Griffith tried to persuade the BNP that they would have to modernise their approach to society. Addison acknowledges, as one professional to another, that it must have been one hell of a tough audience.

The strain of a long tour is showing in a growing dry cough that affects Addison’s voice. He struggles to bring the show to a satisfactory conclusion and both acts just peter out rather than climax.

In a confident move Addison encores with a question and answers session. He handles questions about his relationship with a disgraced former colleague and his voting intentions very well. He points out that the success of The Thick of It is dependent upon the Labour party remaining in power and his support for them is, therefore, very much made on the grounds of employment.

Chris Addison is a warm and amusing host but the evening could benefit from greater insight and to direct his humour at less obvious targets.