Paul Tonkinson: Fancy Man – The Lowry, Salford

Reviewer: Ruth Lovett

The Public Reviews Rating:

Scarborough’s finest may be known to some for his radio work and has been seen on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow but this is his first solo tour and at times it shows. Tonkinson appears a little nervous but does settle in to his one man show.

Act One sees Tonkinson play it somewhat safe in his references between the North and the South, which are outdated and less obvious in the culturally rich and diverse settings of the Lowry. London is not the mythical place of dreams it once was to those north of Watford. Thanks to a decent West Coast Mainline Service we can be there in just over 2 hours therefore the days of comedians lecturing Northern audiences are receding.

By the end of Act One however Tonkinson has moved on to much more amusing topics and finds a more natural style.

Act Two moves at a much better pace with Tonkinson speaking more about his family life, his upbringing and merits of owning a butter dish. Making good use of his expressive face and not afraid to move around the stage using some physical comedy, Tonkinson has the audience in fits of uncontrollable laughter with his easy likeable style. Talking more about the things he really knows about (his lifestyle) sees Tonkinson really step up his game and deliver more of the side splittingly funny anecdotes hinted at in his brief TV appearances. Not afraid to drop regular swear words and with no topic off limits, by the end of the show Tonkinson has really hit gold. The is an audible sigh of disappointment when he announces it’s the end of the evening and it’s clear many people could have taken more. What a great way to leave the stage.

Once he has relaxed and got in to his material, Tonkinson shows himself to be very witty and a true entertainer. Here’s hoping for increased confidence and more insight in to Tonkisnon’s marriage and family life in the future.