Frank Skinner At Garrick Theatre: Showbiz Revelations From A Comedy Great

Showbiz, Garrick Theatre ★★★☆☆

By Hannah Foulds Last edited 50 months ago

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Frank Skinner At Garrick Theatre: Showbiz Revelations From A Comedy Great Showbiz, Garrick Theatre 3

As you'd expect from a comedy veteran of his standing, Frank Skinner looks right at home on the stage of a large venue like the Garrick Theatre.

Much of his content is about his, let’s say, ‘maturing’ age: ‘It’s like finding a wasp alive in November — how are you still going?’ and ‘Injuries don’t come with an anecdote when you’re my age’, which gives him a brilliant, unique angle from all the new blood on the circuit.

But despite having 62 years of — let’s face it, very fruity — experience to draw material from, he chooses some surprisingly tame anecdotes, that at times feels more like mutterings of a nostalgic uncle than a tantalising peek into the life of a rock’n’roll comedian.

There’s no denying, though, that Skinner is a captivating storyteller — that’s where he truly stands out. He also comes alive when ripping the piss out of the poor, unsuspecting front row.

We just wish he’d be a bit braver, edgier and more spirited with his jokes.

Showbiz, Garrick Theatre, 2 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0HH. Tickets from £25, until 15 February 2020.

Last Updated 17 January 2020