Christian Reilly: How To Rock

Note: This review is from 2007

Review by Steve Bennett

Christian Reilly’s first solo show is a feel-good, effervescent song fest. With talent to burn, Reilly composed and sang his own walk-on music, a nice little gag there for those who have ears to hear it.

Reilly performs and commentates as he goes along. He was probably born being ironic, so when he talks to his ‘beautiful audience’ and the ‘beautiful laydeez’ he is acknowledging a well worn format, but it still keeps him in his comfort zone.

Sketching in a the background as the Only Child of a single parent, a gorgeous young woman., married and divorced too young but determined to make a go of life for her and the boy. The gift of a guitar, from one of his mother’s many suitors, to his pudgy 12-year-old self enabled him to start the journey out of Ilkeston, a hole in Nottinghamshire. His burgeoning musical talent increased his self esteem, keeping him away from comfort eating and leading him to the benefits of being a musician and performer: getting the girl and travel.

Some people flinch at musical comedy and song parodies, but when it’s as good as this, sung well, proper lyrics and an appreciation of adult orientated rock, you’d have to really make an effort not to have a good time.

The word ‘charisma’ is bandied around too often, but Christian does have it in spades. He’s exuberant and joyful, without being childish or saccharine drenched. He’s an experienced and intelligent comic, and he’s put together a tight and very funny hour. Nice work.

Reviewed by: Julian Chambers

Review date: 1 Aug 2007
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett

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