Ian C Douglas reviews Wang in There, Baby!...
It may have been Phil Wang’s first gig in Nottingham, but his local fans were out in droves to support him. Indeed, the show was sold out. So how did it go? Judging by the non-stop laughter from the auditorium, extremely well.
Phil has been a rising star for some time. He served his apprenticeship at the Cambridge University Footlights Club, a well-known launchpad for the careers of top crust comedians such as the Monty Python crew, Dud and Pete, Stephen Fry and even Richard Ayoade. Then came success for Phil at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe followed by awards and growing recognition. Not only on the stand-up circuit but with appearances on TV shows such as Have I Got News for You, 8 Out of 10 Cats and The Rob Brydon Show. There have been ‘proper’ acting roles on both sides of the Atlantic. And he is a prolific podcaster.
. Arguably, this gives him a unique perspective on British foibles.
Phil comes on stage and has an immediate rapport with the audience. Although possibly the beery ambience in the stalls helps with that. Nevertheless, he brings with him a warmth and a vulnerability that is endearing. Material that might seem edgy in the hands of another comedian, feels safe in his. And his USP is the fact he is British Malaysian. Arguably, this gives him a unique perspective on British foibles. Certainly, it is a vein of comedy he mines with aplomb.
Much of the humour is absurdist. A lot more is self-deprecating, such as the long monologue about his dick. This, by the way, is a show for adults with plenty of swears and frank discussion about female nipples. Definitely, post-watershed.
Phil was ably supported by warm-up comedian Pierre Novellie. Like Phil, he was born overseas (South Africa) and moved here at a young age. Pierre had a lengthy running gag about the British and the awfulness of their food. This had the Nottingham crowd in stitches. Pierre has his own show on tour next year, and based on tonight’s performance, it will be one worth checking out.
So, an evening of great comedy. And if you missed it, Phil will be back in Nottingham again later in the year.
Phil Wang performed at the Nottingham Playhouse on Friday 31 March
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