The first showcase for disabled comics returns in triumph on its 20th Anniversary, with many of the original cast still in place. And in Steve Day’s case, in a touching homage to those first shows, with several of his original jokes still in place.
There is a rolling cast (several of them literally) so you might not see the funny that I saw. Juliette Burton is a sweetly effusive host. I actually love being called “my darlings” as we welcome our first act. Not entirely sure being treated to the entire list of mental health conditions with which she has been diagnosed over the years added to the fun, but she is charming.
Liz Carr is refreshingly, reliably sardonic, whether about crashing wheelchairs, Brokeback Mountain or Edinburgh’s cobbles. Aaron Simmonds manages to make Cerebral Palsy borderline aspirational – at least for relatives. The story involving his brother and the Paralympic Goalball final is hilarious.
Steve Day is, of course, just so experienced and relaxed onstage that it is a pleasure to spend time with him. Highlight of his set are the home delivery service for parents, danger wanks and Border collies.
‘Wildcard’ guest is Stephen Catling, who joins us very very slowly, because he is a snail. That is not his disability, just his comic persona. Mucus, the salt on a tequila slammer and his definition of a Demi Sexual are all funny stuff – and there is more.
The only bit of the show that falls flat is the improv game in the middle. These guys are not improvisers. And one of them is deaf
