Glasgow Comedy Festival
John Shuttleworth - A Wee Ken To Remember, Citizens Theatre
Lorraine Wilson
Four stars
Before we get into this latest spectacular by Sheffield's versatile singer/organist, he just has to finish a Locket.
A running commentary of just how far through the throat sweet he is proves a perfect introduction to Shuttleworth's world, where minutiae is the main event. Tonight he's contractually obliged to talk about his agent and next-door-neighbour Ken Worthington who has had a bit of a mishap with the tour posters.
Interspersed, however, are some of John's most memorable weekends, which involve Polyfilla, fleeces, the Keswick Pencil Museum, and perhaps most memorably, checking the level of the reservoir. The world he creates of wife Mary, the kids Darren and Karen - and Ken of course - is one explored in greater depth through the music.
The new song Relatives in Rotherham is a searing indictment of having to share biscuits with family members he doesn't even like. The chaos created by Mary changing her plans at the last minute is recounted in Early Tea. Old favourites such as Two Margarines and Mingling With Mourners are met with rock n roll whoops from the audience.
Creator Graham Fellows has an obvious love of words and a connection with the absurdity that comes from the mundane. Rhyming Billy Joel with village hall is something that can only happen in Shuttleworth world. Fellows has always said that he's simply an actor who lost his way, and now it seems that after 30 years the fawn slacks might be pressed and put away.
Shame. For some heartfelt Northern ennui I'd take Shuttleworth over Morrissey any day.
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