EntertainmentTours

Stephen K Amos at The Lowry Review

StephenKAmosLowryStephen K Amos
The Lowry, Manchester

4 December 2014

www.thelowry.com

Reviewed by Victoria Daubney

Festive isn’t the word for when I arrived at The Lowry Centre to see Stephen K Amos perform. The Christmas markets were in full swing in the circle in front of the theatre and all around Media City, and the whole place was rocking.

When we arrived at the theatre it was busier than usual as there appeared to be an event or Christmas party happening in one of the function rooms. There were lots of ladies in evening dresses and men in bow ties. A little different compared to what I’m used to seeing down at the Quays!

As I entered the bar area for the Quays Theatre, where Stephen K Amos was appearing there was a member of staff advising customers that Mr Amos was running late, but there would be an act on at the normal start time of 8pm to fill the time. This seemed reasonable and I was looking forward to seeing who was standing in at such short notice. I settled into my spacious and comfortable seat at the end of the row, and looked around to see that the place was almost full. A few rows here and there were a little sparse, but all three levels had plenty of people filling the seats.

At 8pm a guy called Phil Buckler took to the stage. He was a comic who has done sets all over, including the Edinburgh Fringe. Phil advised Stephen K Amos was stuck in traffic and he had been asked to entertain us for a while, while he was rushing to get to us. Turns out Phil also works backstage at the Lowry Theatre, hence the last minute stand in, but I think this was of benefit to all of us. Not only did Phil have the chance to do a set, which was extremely funny, the audience had chance to experience a comic which we may not have come across without this introduction. Thirty minutes later we were all laughing at his tales of drunken debauchery, which I think we could all relate to or know someone who could.

There was another break of around 20 minutes, where people took the opportunity to whip to the bar or take a toilet break, allowing quite a few more guests the chance to take their seats as it seems the traffic had caused a problem for more than just the main man. At 8:50pm Stephen K Amos took to the stage.

Well, worth the wait is an understatement. Almost straightaway the audience were in fits of laughter as we were regaled with tales of childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Not for the fainthearted, some of the language was blue at the best of times, but used in context. The content of the show was also risky, definitely 18 rated, and I’m not sure I’d recommend it to someone who was easily offended, but personally, I thought the show was excellent! I can’t remember laughing as much as I did at this show, as I have in a long time.

The audience participation was brilliant, lots of banter with a variety of people. I’m pleased I wasn’t sat in the first few rows as I was able to watch it all unfold and laugh at loud, with no fear of being next. Everything was said in good spirit though and everyone who was spoken to joined in and egged Stephen on so it didn’t feel like any one was being ‘picked on’. One of the guys was even invited up on stage with Stephen K Amos himself to give us a rendition of a musical theatre song. A first for any comedy show I’ve seen. We were also roped into playing a joke on another guy who unfortunately needed the bathroom half way through the set. What unfolded from there was strange, hilarious and a little disturbing all in one.

Over an hour and a half later and I didn’t want the show to end. One the best comedians I’ve had the pleasure of laughing with, and one to definitely return and see. If you get the chance you have to see this man.

I would rate this a massive 5 out of 5.

Rating: 5/5 thumbs_up

Stephen K Amos is currently touring the UK until 21 March 2015. For more information or to book tickets visit www.stephenkamos.com/live.html.

The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | 0843 208 6000

5Star

Show More
Back to top button