Nish Kumar returns to the Playhouse and the blade of his wit is sharper than ever...
While Nish may be more widely known for his work on TV shows such as The Mash Report, Taskmaster, and Hold the Front Page, his live show is a whole other dimension of Nish-ness. He dives deep into the political world of the 21st century, eviscerating without mercy all those right-wing politicos we either love or loath. Full disclosure, this reviewer is in the loath camp. So, Sunak, Johnson, Truss, Patel, Braverman, Trump, Starmer (yes, I did say right wing) and more come under his scalpel-sharp gaze. Not to mention racists, imperialists, and warmongers.
Nish is angry. Angry at the war on the civilians of Palestine, the impoverishment of the working classes by the super-rich, big business’ wanton destruction of the planet without a care for future generations. (And by future we mean anyone born next year). He bellows his outrage at the audience for an hour and half, which must be very demanding on his vocal cords. But he keeps going, fired up perhaps by righteous indignation at the injustices of the world. His reserves of energy were quite amazing.
And the sold-out auditorium was packed to the hilt with likeminded individuals. Very much preaching to the converted. A cry from the stalls of ‘Free Palestine’ got a strong round of applause.
while making us laugh reminds us of all the political infamy
Along the way we learned about his footballing injuries, his friendships with fellow comedians, losing his passport in New York, and a host of other fascinating insights into the life of a modern-day stand-up.
He beautifully sets up a running gag with a sixteen-year-old in the audience, whose father is on a trip to Amsterdam. Rather cleverly, he returns to this situation again and again.
We also hear about growing up British Indian and his parents. His mother adores Princess Diana, which Nish finds ironic. It must be generational, as this elderly reviewer totally gets the Di thing, even though a republican himself. Nish discussed Millennials and Gen Z too, to hilarious effect, although it did sometimes sound as if history started with 9-11. Surely there are lots of evil from the 20th century that could do with a good verbal bashing?
To sum up, Nish Kumar works very hard to deliver a script that while making us laugh, reminds us of all the political infamy going on right now. Readers of the tabloid press are advised to stay away. Everyone else, come along for a night of belly laughs.
Nish, Don't Kill My Vibe played at the Nottingham Playhouse on Wednesday October 9th 2024 and again on Wednesday October30th 2024.
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