Josh Widdicombe has recently supported stand-up comedians Kevin Bridges, Michael McIntyre, Alan Carr on their respective live tours as well as making positive inroads into tv with a regular spot on “Stand Up For The Week” and writing for a number of panel shows. Josh is currently a star in its ascendancy, a man on the up. Now is the perfect time to assess this new hero of comedy.
Tonight’s show is one of juxtaposition. Josh is a performer who revels in the moment. Like Rhod Gilbert before him Josh is a performer whose act excels when he is off script. However sometimes on script Josh can seem a little flat and a bit over rehearsed but these moments are few and far between. Josh’s chatty observational comedy style is a well worn one but it is testament to his skills as a comedian that he keeps the laughs coming.
Taking in inconsequential subjects as Neighbourhood Watch, LaserQuest, restaurant chain Wagamama and using his own brand of logic Josh occasionally creates comedy gold with his witty and occasionally dismissive arguments.
The highlight of tonight’s show was definitely Josh’s interaction with the audience. On more than one occasion his impromptu gags brought more laugher than most of his scripted material. Josh’s quick comedy thinking and his ability to identify and illicit material from his audience was a joy to watch.
On a personal level sometimes I would have preferred a more irate delivery at times to emphasise some of the scripted comedy which on occasion feels a little prosaic yet Josh does what he does very well. He has crafted his show very well and you emerge afterwards with a smile on your face.
I have a feeling that Josh Widdicombe will grow further as a comedian and this being his first solo tour he may well grow into something special.
