Original Review:

Show Rating:

Stephen K Amos is the embodiment of charisma. From the first minute to the last, he never lets the audience out of the palm of his hand.

He weaves his way to the stage through the audience, casually tossing aside rebukes in cultured African tones. Some women are loose for bearing too much flesh, an actor is branded a junkie, and a man with three female friends a pimp.

More icebreaking than groundbreaking, perhaps, but as Amos says as he returns to his own voice - he wants to connect with the audience. And fast.

Punters are encouraged to be vocal and throw themselves into the show, and it works. A 16-year-old lad in the front row, for example, provides the spark for a routine about the sacrifices of an older generation, asbestos in schools and Ribena rotting teeth.

This might not sound that special, but Amos skilfully infused the material with acerbic and lightning quick humour, all the while endearing the audience to him.

Amos is a brilliant raconteur with tales of his friend tripping out, at Glastonbury and a trip to Ireland where he was described as "black as night and one who walks on coffins". His travels allow him to explore accents and he proves he can slip in and out of character effortlessly, including the recurring figure of the obviously outrageous, stereotypical gay man

Amos can be formidable and has massive stage presence, even if his many references to his alleged "massive cock" did wear thin after a while.

But all his lapses are forgiven because Amos's show is packed with well-observed material, performed hilariously. His affection for the audience is the killer blow, culminating in an all-singing, all-dancing party to which everyone is invited.

No one could possibly have left this feelgood show without a beaming smile on their face. A real stormer.