Kevin Precious: Aging Punk Rocker at 2011 Brighton Fringe
Live Review
Brighton The Temple

If you are looking for the spirit of punk in Kevin Precious’s latest show, expect more of Anchor-butter era Johnny Lydon than the filth and the fury. For this is a straightforward hour of comedy from a competent operator, but if there ever was any spittle-flecked anarchy in his soul, it’s long gone.

But don’t be thinking this is an analytical tale of how he’s mellowed from rage-filled youth to comfortable middle-age, either. The fact the music of his youth was Johnny Lydon and his ilk is only of passing relevance – the references might be from punk, the bulk of the show could be about almost any genre.

Precious uses a few unremarkable anecdotes – such as his parents’ dislike of a rudely titled Buzzcocks B-side – as a rail on which to hang routines about anything from the X Factor (basically ‘what the hell does Danii Minogue know about talent’) to tabloid scaremongering. The idea of Royalty gets a gentle ribbing, inspired by God Save The Queen, and he also touches on religion and racist attitudes to immigration. But these are well-covered subjects in the world of comedy, and although his heart’s in the right place, he doesn’t have the sharpness to stand out.

Although this is still an early outing for this show, when it comes to insight, Precious’s drawer is pretty vacant, as he serves up a largely safe selection of generic stand-up. Proof, should it be needed, comes when he mocks the fake West Indian street accents of white youth, as much as a staple of today’s clubs as the ‘thick Irishman’ gags were 35 years ago.

He was never a full-on punk, describing himself as a bloke from Hull ‘in drainpipe trousers and badges’ and today he’s a mild-mannered teacher and affable comic. He lets a few left-wing ideas peek through, which suggests he might have more to say should he choose to delve – though he never really does.

A circuit veteran, he knows how to hold a room – even one as quite and under-attended as this one – and there is a small smattering of jokes that stand out, in particular one about an Alive!-style plane crash and another about charity fundraising. But generally he doesn’t stretch himself, so most his comments and ideas fall only into the category of ‘mildly amusing’.

That we leave to Syd Vicious ‘singing’ My Way ironically only goes to underline that Precious isn’t cutting a particularly distinctive path.

Kevin does the MC bit each moth at Barnstormers Leighton Buzzard. I've been going for more than two years now and still gets everyone roaring with laughter every time he comes on stage... would be good to see his full set.

Tony G, March 2012

I saw Mr Precious at the Lowry on Saturday. He is dreadful. Tired, unfunny 'jokes'. He brought a crib sheet on stage with him and yet he still repeated himself, blew punchlines and muttered rubbish as he tried to get back on track. he completely ignored the audience and didn't attempt to engage with them in any way. A shockingly shambolic show that was so amateur I have actually complained to the Lowry and asked for a refund!

Sam, January 2012

A very accomplished MC. Kevin's in charge so relax. This guy is in total command and invariably comes up with comedy gold! The real star of Barnstormers at Leighton Buzzard.

Stephen Hobbs, December 2009

Kevin did a great job as MC at a small poorly attended gig and compared to the above comments has improved immensely.

Dave The Warehouse, December 2008

mr preciouse is my teacher..... he hasn't smiled in 20 yaers dorothy stringer high school

maxiboy, November 2007

Encountered this comic recently, went on and on and flogged dead horses for longer than I could bear. Seemed a bit uncomfortable, with little material of great quality. Found a few threads which lasted a fraction of what was about forty minutes throughout the night. Dull and forgettable.

Bazzle, November 2007

Saw him in Builth recently. He was on first (always a thankless task) and didn't really get the audience behind him. Not knowing where he was and then blaming the audience for wanting "cuddly" rather than "dark" material didn't help. Talking about a life on dole culture seemed a bit twenty years ago, but then he suddenly pulled out a good finish about school assemblies though - if he maintained the standard of his last five minutes for twenty he'd be a good act.

Fat Tony, September 2005