Review by Lucy Holz
Ivo Graham has filled the 750-seat theatre at Pleasance Courtyard. It may be a 2-for-1 night but it’s still an impressive feat. Graham has made his name as a bumbling ‘posh twat’ who is a particularly big deal to fans of the show Taskmaster.
Graham’s show will be a big deal to fans of English football, but not so much everyone else. He spends about a third of the hour talking about the many exploits of various English (and occasionally Scottish) football teams, both at this year’s Euros and throughout history. Fortunately as someone living in London during the fateful Euros this year, I do have just enough background knowledge to follow along, but if you’re not from the UK, this isn’t the show for you.
Aided by a powerpoint and clicker, Graham takes us through various lists elaborating on his chosen topics of discussion. From bachelor party mishaps and favourite songs to the unification of Italy, his lists, Venn diagrams and witty memes accompany his jokes, highlighting his funniest life moments.
Graham is actually at his strongest when he interacts with the audience. His off-the-cuff response to a surprise coeliac in the front row is arguably the funniest moment of the night. He makes reference to some of the children in the audience (out of concern following a semen-based Venn diagram), and returns to check on them on occasion. After an amusing Nazi zinger, the laughter of a small child reaches my ears. It’s nice to know that if nothing else, Graham is successfully reaching the youth of today through Nazi humour.
The show veers off again when we are introduced to another, more niche musical interest of his. This is the basis for the finale of the show, utilising the assistance of a confident-turned-meek audience member who unsuccessfully attempts to operate a handheld confetti cannon. It’s a somewhat anticlimactic end to a night of powerpoint and football-based humour.
However, the show itself is a success. Graham may be a posh twat but he’s also a funny guy. His witty observations about life woven into humorous anecdotes make it a very enjoyable performance. Not always laugh out loud funny, but he is an accomplished comedian and even an ambling show such as this one is still worth attending.
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