Show Rating:

Justin Moorhouse, a self-confessed ‘fatty’ is an engaging performer, skilled at working a room. His Northern comedy is accessible, with an emphasis on the gags and one-liner asides to the audience.

There are no dancing monkeys, he does not pontificate on the possible reasons a piece of gaffer tape sticks to the wall, he is not trying to change the world by affecting us politically. He offers just good, honest, down-to-earth, funny situational comedy.

The fact that we pay £3 for a coffee in the shopping malls when we could have a brew at home first is funny. Allowing your five-year-old to swear at football matches so he can sing along is funny, particularly when that child finds a loophole in the rule and swears at school. Although the subject matter is fairly unchallenging the manner in which it is dealt with is original, funny, and at times touching.

The show is about his experiences in fatherhood: the expense, the difficulty in parenting when you divorce, and the swathes of difficult questions from your child. But if Moorhouse’s son ever doubts his father’s love, then all he need do is watch this show, and witness the affection that runs through it.

If you have had about all you can take of experimental theatre and want a guaranteed hour of laughs, go see this show.

Reviewed by: Rosie Carnahan