Gary Delaney: The Purist Tour at Thwaites Empire Theatre Review

Gary Delaney: Purist
Thwaites Empire Theatre, Blackburn

28 May 2015

www.thwaitesempiretheatre.co.uk

Reviewed by Karen Crielly

Last night we went to the Thwaite’s Empire Theatre in Blackburn to see comedian Gary Delaney. This theatre is easy to get to straight off the motorway and just past Ewood Park football stadium, there are some major road works at the moment just around the theatre but they didn’t affect access. Parking is quite literally across the road in a free car park.

The theatre is a lovely small intimate venue, with a great bar / lounge area. Service was great with lovely staff. I was also happy to see that there were plenty of toilets even for such a small venue.

There was a short delay to the show as Gary’s support act had broken down on the motorway and we had to wait while a replacement got to the theatre.

Steve Royal was the support act, he was brilliant, he is a multi-talented guy,  he started by showing off his juggling skills as well as his comedic talents.

All I knew about Gary Delaney before tonight was that he is married to comedienne Sarah Millican so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Gary is a one liner comedian; he doesn’t tell stories or spin long and winding yarns. He is sharp witted and has a quick fire delivery method. The crowd tonight was small only about half filled the lower section of the stalls, no more than about 50 people; our seats in row C were probably some of the best in the house as the view of the stage was fantastic. When he came on stage before the show started he very carefully tested the waters as to what we would laugh at, giving him an idea of what direction the show would take and to be fair he struck lucky as everyone there tonight seemed to have a very similar sense of humour, like all comedians he did push things a bit with his jokes, one or two were a bit close to the bone but still very funny, in fact some he stated would never see the light of day again, as there would never be such alinement of  right time or place again. He had a great rapport with the audience, he chatted with some and picked on others me included, as I was sat directly in his line of sight lol, I have to say my jaws and sides ached by the time his hour was up.

If you get the chance I would highly recommend seeing Gary and if I got the chance would definitely go again.

Rating: 5/5 

For more information about Gary Delaney and tour dates visit www.garydelaney.com.

For shows at the Twaites Empire Theatre in Blackburn visit www.thwaitesempiretheatre.co.uk.

The Empire Theatre, Aqueduct Road, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 4HT | 01254 685 500