Reviewed by Ann Durrell
Billed as a ‘unique live show for everyone, young and old’, Extremely Comedy is much more than just a comedy show. Our host for the afternoon was Nathan Black and he took us through his vision for putting on the BEST SHOW EVER! Although the name of the show seemed to suggest an afternoon of comedy, it was much more than just a few laughs. There were bike tricks from Britain’s Got Talent finalist, Joe Oakley, street dancing and body popping from ‘Got to Dance, Showtime and Trix, world record holding unicyclist Mike Taylor, Simon Berry and Ash Randall, UK Football Freestyle Champion.
Opening the show was Ash Randall, he has some serious skills with a football! The crowd were watching in awe as he flipped and rolled it around looking like it was no effort at all. Ash was joined on stage by a gentleman whose name I missed who was performing with what looked like a light sabre from Star Wars. As he twirled and moved it around we saw pictures and stars appear from nowhere, it was really very clever.
Next up, the host made his appearance, wrestling with the voices in his head, could he pull off the show? Would the audience stay? It was in the balance as he introduced Showtime and Trix who performed some killer dance moves. Next out were Simon Berry and Mike Taylor with a routine of very impressive unicycle tricks. One poor audience member, Craig, was a not very willing volunteer. We flinched as Taylor and Berry jumped over him, Taylor performing a particularly impressive jump, but he is the world record holder for the highest jump on a unicycle so I would have been disappointed had he missed it, as would Craig…!
The final act was Joe Oakley, now I didn’t watch BGT but apparently, he came second to a certain dog. Oakley jumped up staggered heights wooden blocks on his bike and back to the ground. At one point, he even managed it with one wheel taken off. Another audience member, Emily, was brought on stage as Oakley pulled off a trick jumping from the highest block over her head precisely squashing a cardboard cup on his descent.
For the finale, everyone was back on stage performing tricks and dancing, showcasing their individual talents. Throughout each of the act’s Nathan Black was interjecting with humorous quips that did have everyone laughing. To be honest they looked like they were having as much fun on the stage as we were in the audience watching! Although I am glad I wasn’t picked out to be one of the participants in the stunts, I don’t think I could have stopped from flinching! What was really nice, especially for the kids is after the show all the performers stayed back in the bar to sign autographs and have their photo graphs taken.
All in all, a great show for all ages.
Rating: 4/5
For other shows at The Lowry in Manchester visit www.thelowry.com.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | 0843 208 6000
