Dave Spikey at The Lowry Manchester Review

Reviewed by Ant Turton

The moment I found out that one of my favourite comedians of modern times was embarking on a comedy tour I knew I would want to see him on stage, the unmistakable character of Jerry St. Clair was the first time I came across Dave in 2001 and have been a huge fan ever since.

The Lowry is a firm favourite of mine and, after several previous visits for various acts I was once again not disappointed with the ease of parking in the multi-storey area, with plenty of spaces and only £6 for the evening it is a very fair price to pay. Only being a short walk through the shopping centre to the theatre is also a great advantage.

With the recent events locally a bag search was being carried out upon entrance to the theatre but this was dealt with speedily and pleasantly by the fabulous staff.

The tickets were ready and waiting for me at the box office leaving me with time to spare to enjoy a pre-show drink in the Pier Eight bar, a wonderful setting for refreshments with a vibrant atmosphere and lovely views out over the Quays.

Our tickets saw us seated in the stalls inside the Quays theatre, a compact and beautiful little setting. With a capacity 0f 440 you really do get up close to the act on stage, with this adding a fabulous personal touch to the performance.

Dave himself came on stage at 19.30 greeted by an almost capacity audience with a warm welcome and fired straight into some short sharp jokes, it didn’t take long to have us in the palm of his hands with his superb timing and wonderful comedy story telling.

With 2017 marking his 30^th year in comedy he started and ended the performance with the set from his ‘stairway to the stars’ talent show winning gig in 1987. Funny then and still very funny now!

With local newspaper stories he had found on his travels and tales of growing up with his eccentric Gran, the first half of the show had plenty of laugh out loud moments, much to the enjoyment of the whole audience and what seemed like only 5 minutes we were given a 20 minute interval for refreshments and a chance to rest my aching sides.  Are there seriously many things better than having a good laugh on a Friday evening?

After the break, it was time for another 50 minutes of enjoyable comedy from Dave, this time with tales of his step from his long serving career in the NHS IN 2000 to more recent times, his comedy is almost suitable for all, with no need for over the top strong language and a few mild adult references it was a pleasure to listen and laugh at and also along with a truly marvellous comic.

Our NHS is a fabulous thing and their loss some years ago now is truly a marvellous thing for British, and notably Northern comedy. A fantastic gig and a must see if like me you were, and still are a fan of laughing.

Wonderful stuff and the only down side to the whole evening was almost 2 hours of Dave wasn’t enough! A must see for all comedy fans.

Rating: 5/5

Dave Spikey is currently touring the UK with his Juggling on a Motorbike Tour, for more information and tour dates visit www.davespikey.co.uk.

For other shows at The Lowry in Manchester visit www.thelowry.com.

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