Greg Davies at Comedy Store

Greg Davies appearing at Comedy Store, London

More Greg Davies videos

Former drama teacher, now one third of the We Are Klang troupe. And as a solo stand-up, he was nominated for best breakthrough act at the 2007 Chortle Awards and best compere in the 2008 awards.

Carlsberg Cat Laughs 2010 [6]
Live Review
Kilkenny Skyline

Marc Maron is one of the select few American acts flown into this year’s festival, but he seems to be having a rough time of it, telling us of the ‘detached, cold, angry stares’ he’s been getting at other gigs.

If true, that’s tough, because he’s an accomplished comedian, although the raw, honest and personal nature of his routine means that laughs are sometimes going to be sacrificed for depth of material.

From what he says, he’s been something of a screw-up; twice married with past drink and drug problems – an addictive personality that once seemed exciting and glamorous, but now sees him sadly chasing highs in a litre tub of Haagen Dazs. He describes himself as ‘a little gnarly’ and certainly a strong stench of bitterness and self-hatred comes off this routine.

But such a sour viewpoint yields comedy that’s incisive as it is prickly; intelligent, confessional and sometimes very funny. But leaving you in very little doubt you’d never want to be in his shoes.

For the second time in as many days, compere Ian Coppinger had to defang some potentially troublesome audience members – a lads’ night out who had to signal any flicker of approval or even recognition with a boisterous ‘wa-hay!’ to the point of disruptive tedium. But once again the diminutive Mr C maintained order, even if it was an uphill struggle at times.

His 5ft 5in height is the subject of a sterling routine about going out with a tall girl – but even bigger laughs were to be had from introducing the second act: the 6ft 8in Greg Davies. Whoever said visual comedy is dying never revelled in the simply pleasures of such a little-and-large sight.

The We Are Klang star – though more recognised for his supporting role in the Inbetweeners these days – describes how he dismisses the usual comments about his height with a withering impatience, dispensing with the topic before embarking upon a magnificent 20-minute routine.

In a set that covers his lack of sexual prowess, approaches by tiny Thai prostitutes, and his sister’s oral sex technique, you might expect this to be utterly filthy. But it’s gloriously done, with ornately silly imagery, evocative characterisation (his aging father, for example is hilariously depicted a demented buffoon) and a perfect, playful performance full of unbelieving outrage.

Excuse the obvious wordplay, but Davies is a towering talent.

Storytelling headliner Neil Delamere also included the theme of bedroom inadequacies into his set, from the embarrassment of taking dirty to the slapstick tale of the night he lost his virginity. He’s a personable performer and his (no doubt embellished) yarns from his life always hold a crowd.

But there are jokes in there, too. Delamere’s not a comic who can let any pun go unsaid, whether it be sublime or cheesy, shrugging the weaker ones off with an unsaid ‘What? It’s only a silly joke’ that ensures we still like him for it. There’s no real angle to anything he does, and the strongest element of his persona is that he is just an ordinary Everyman – but that means his expertly-told stories have a credibility that strengthens every laugh, which more often than not come at his own expense..

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Just back from seeing Mr Davies at Edinburgh festival. Genius . Naturally funny, wonderful stories. Like Rik Mayall in more ways than one, but better .

zack, August 2010

Saw Greg at the Udderbelly on Southbank last night, absolutely hysterical! Defo look out for him, excellent

Campo, June 2010

Phenomenal gig last night at Comedy Store Manchester! So, so funny! (Who needs Brad Pitt with that "beast" around!)

Jane, June 2010

Hilarious. One of my fave comedians. Stubbornly refused to be upstaged by his ever-present Calvin Kleins or his 'beast' (tummy not penis) His dad sounds like a bloody legend.

Dawn, October 2009

Saw Greg gig in Sheffield. He nearly put me in hospital I was laughing so hard (no joke - my asthma kicked in big time!) You will have the evening of your life listening to the 'man-mountain' spin his hysterical tales. A+ sir!

Scott Fleet, September 2009

Greg used to be my tutor at sandhurst comprehensive school. its great to see his sence of humour and fantastic ability to entertain people hasn't left him after all these years. Keep up the excellent work mate.

Shaun Moseling, April 2009

Greg, you are my favorite flavored comic. Thank you for turning my frown upside down and being the funniest fish in the gleeful fish bowl. You are brilliant!

Emma, Bummingham., November 2008

He was my drama teacher at Sandhurst comp. You are funny as hell. Go Mr Davies!

Hayley Woodhouse, October 2008

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