Reviewed by Louise Totton
Let’s face it, if you go to see Julian Clary, you know what you’re in for. Rude jokes, lots of mascara even more poking fun at ‘the straights’.
The premise of this show is that Julian is looking for love; a new husband who he will wed live on stage at the end of the show. And this husband will be some poor, unsuspecting member of the audience. From an initial selection of half a dozen potential suitors, Clary whittles down the pack to just one through a series of embarrassing and humiliating games and tasks. This is all interspersed with musings about the town he is performing in, plugs for Blue Nun and lots and lots of rude jokes.
Julian was simply fantastic. Naughty, funny, rude and at times thought provoking. I don’t think I stopped laughing from the minute he stepped on stage to the minute he left – the first half was really well written, funny and built up the second ‘main’ part really well. His constant plugs for Blue Nun and interaction with the audience was hilarious, and I suspect most of the audience spent the whole night praying they wouldn’t be picked on. I felt particularly sorry for the 60-odd year old lady in front of us who was asked about certain sexual preferences she preferred. But mightily relieved it wasn’t me!
The second half of the show was absolutely the best bit – 6 members of the audience were selected and herded into ‘mincer’s meadow’ where they were subjected to an ordeal of humiliation, campness and embarrassment. Classic Clary. The whole audience was in stitches. There was then a fabulous wedding with beautiful bridesmaids, a bishop and a lot of glitter. The show culminated with a very poignant and thought provoking performance.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, the whole show was fantastic from start to finish. I had never seen Julian live before. I will certainly be keeping my eyes open for his shows now. Just excellent.
Rating: 5/5
For more information, tour dates or to book tickets visit julianclary.co.uk.
