Jenny Éclair Jokes, Jokes, Jokes Live! At Lighthouse Poole Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Mel S-W
Have you seen the Lighthouse’s programme lately? It’s bursting with variety—from one-man shows and stand-up comedians to plays fresh from the Fringe or straight off the West End stage. And this October… the legend herself, Jenny Éclair! Over 40 years in the business and still going strong.
Jenny Eclair stormed onto the stage, having already introduced herself in a voiceover as many things—but the one that stuck with me was “a big bag of leaking cellulite.” She appeared in cargo pants, a pretty top, bright yellow Crocs, and her unapologetic self—and I absolutely loved it.
The theatre wasn’t quite sold out, which was a shame because it really buzzes when it’s full. But Jenny leaned into it, quite literally hopping down the stairs to the front row with a packet of biscuits to share, getting up close and personal with the audience. She was good at getting the audience involved, inviting us to indicate especially what type of sibling we were and then giving us an impression of how each type of child would react. The show was littered with great one liners and classic and natural comedy that you’d have to be there to experience.
The crowd was a mix of ages, mostly women (as expected), and we were all wondering just how close to the line Jenny would go. Oh, she saw the line… and bulldozed right through it with flair, filth, and the most elegant use of profanities (well, sort of!). I left thinking what my family really needs is a naughty aunty like her—one who drinks, swears, and has reached that glorious stage of life where she just doesn’t care. The poor security guard who swapped shifts mid-show quickly regretted it—Jenny clocked him from the stage and made him part of the act!
She took us on a whistle-stop tour of her life, introducing us to her family as she moved through the decades. Anecdotes from every era, all delivered with razor-sharp timing. Even when a joke didn’t quite land, she reeled us back in with ease.
We heard about her drama school days (mostly cider and sausage rolls), punk poetry, anorexia, bedsit blues, clueless waitressing, and eventually becoming the first woman to win the Perrier Award. Then came motherhood, authorship, Grumpy Old Women (a nod to her podcast), podcasting, and nana-hood. It was a lot to pack in, but she did it with energy, warmth, and wit.
Jenny Éclair can get away with almost anything. I had an absolutely fabulous evening, brilliant comedic delivery, heart-warming stories, hilarious poetry, and visuals to tie it all together. She’s a force of nature.
Five out of five from me. I’d recommend it to anyone who isn’t easily offended, and even more so to those who are. It was a riotous romp through her life, and I’m so glad I was there.
Rating: 5/5
All tickets for the show were the same price, priced at £29.70. Find out what else is coming up at Lighthouse by checking out their website https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/whats-on/ or calling the Box Office on 01202 280000.
The full address is Lighthouse, Arts and Entertainment, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG