Air quotes

Recorded at the Leicester Comedy Festival preview show, January 2009

More Henry Paker videos

Henry Paker started stand-up January 2006, and in 2008, he won the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year title and came second in the Laughing Horse new act competition.

He is also a cartoonist, and his book, Don’t Arm Wrestle A Pirate, which he created with comedian Dave Skinner, was featured on the Richard and Judy Book Club for Christmas 2007.

Henry Paker: Cabin Fever
Live Review

As Henry Paker finds his comic voice there is an elephant in the room that needs addressing. Watching him, you may notice his stance of occasionally leaning backwards with one leg well in front of him, or the way he glides across the small stage, how he draws us into his surreal imagination and even delivers a few gags in French. Fortunately there is a seriousness to Paker that separates his style from that of the iconic Eddie Izzard. But that doesn't mean Paker isn't slightly mad.

In a small tin hut, Paker has aptly themed his show around Cabin Fever, stuck up Kilimanjaro for three months waiting to be rescued. Before we venture up the mountain, Paker opens strongly by sharing his bizarre issues with certain keys on the keyboard. A strange choice to start with, but smartly put-together and physically well acted.

Paker is an appealing and instantly likeable performer, such that his crowd may have felt overly comfortable with him and happily joined in (not really heckling). He managed to deal with these situations very well, in his own words ‘he created an effortless ease with the audience by telling them what to do’. Later he cut someone off in an endearing way by describing how he is going to cannibalise them, yet it manages to come across kindly as it gives him back control. Once or twice Paker seems to get lost in a conversation with himself, but these are the occupational hazards of his chosen style.

On his main theme, Paker creates an engaging and interesting show, with an intensity that meshes well with his slight surrealism. Some of the other ideas he uses have been covered before, such as The Game's trick of paying compliments that are slightly insulting (‘I love one of your eyes’). Paker brings a suave and creative twist to the material, much like his big finale which is well crafted and enjoyable, however fans of Red Dwarf will quickly see where the idea is going and it may lose some of its punch.

Despite familiarities with parts of his set, Paker comes across as creative act. In addition to his unusual imagination he's able to have fun with linguistics, which works well with the audience he has attracted. There is a sensibleness to his madness and coupled with a very enjoyable delivery it's clear that Paker has qualities that can take him far.

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His show this year at the fringe is one of my favourites, great talent like being in a surreal bubble of hilarity

Joanne Page, August 2011

Just seen him in Frome - what a great laugh he is. He has such a hilarious take on many things. I do not get the McIntyre comparison??.... well maybe that he is a male... He's got a unique style and was very spontaneously funny. Big Somerset cheers to the cardiganed comedian! I seriously suggest you see him as soon as you can.

shelly, March 2010

Superb! I laughed like a sewer. Seeing Paker in action is like watching a drunk medieval jester or a well-basted turkey. He throws you chunks of great gags, delivered as if carved from his own anatomy. A little painful to watch at times, but unfailingly hilarious.

Mathew G, November 2009

Absolutely amazing! Would definitely book him again. Brilliant!

Caro, November 2009

No need to worry about the McIntyre influences, because I can't see them that much. I am not a fan of Michael's work, and never have been, because I prefer gag-driven comedy. Perhaps Paker has just improved this humour style; he has taken McIntyre's persona and just added well-crafted intelligent jokes. His thoughts are original and have clear links to his various routines. If there's any justice, then I hope Paker has his own Comedy Roadshow in years to come. Well done that chap.

Bill Ryan, August 2009

His delivery is brilliant, I do agree with Simon's comment below- his is a similar style to McIntyre's in my opinion but I enjoy his comedy all the same!

Lauren S, August 2009

Laugh out loud. Brillant.

Don Biswas, March 2009

Not too bad, some well written stuff. The only problem is, he falls into the style of comedy that has been very well marked out by Michael McIntyre. He needs to distinguish himself a little better to be a big star.

Simon Button, February 2009

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