Don\'t Be Needy, Be Succeedy
Note: This review is from 2002
L Vaughan Spencer epitomises every life coach guru-cum-management training execuctive imaginable.
Despite the ease of the target, this pony-tailed, orange-suited 'spiritual Swami' actually manages to get the audience hooked immediately, and it is near-impossible not to get caught up in the feelgood factor.
The traits of these sometimes odious creatures are superbly captured by Mullarkey, who thoroughly immerses himself in the character of this dubious, self-appointed guiding light.
He also displays a real sense of comedic dexterity, adroit with audience participation and easily able to slip in and out of set pieces such as the Eminem/P Diddy/J Lo rap, which sends up L Vaughan's sleazy character perfectly.
Mullarkey prances about the stage with great presence, rarely missing the smallest of prompts from the audience, turning them into little gems, blending his vast improv experience into the character.
The show flows effortlessly and the smatterings of cheesy songs with key words being replaced by the 'Succeedy' catchphrase are well-placed to inject reality checks into proceedings, because at times you could easily forget that Mullarkey was actually in character. Which is fairly high acclaim.
Review date: 1 Jan 2002
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett