Simon Munnery hasn’t been well and is fresh out of hospital (he still has a patient wristband on), he’s here to tell cracking jokes around getting older mixed in with some darker humour and creative sketches.
Simons’ escape from the hospital left him with a few bruises here and there and a ragged look as he sports his daughter’s school leavers hoodie that reads “Grace” on the back. As ill as he explains he was, his sense of humour seems to be back in complete working order, although I doubt he ever lost it.
Simon is a naturally random comedian; he bounces around stories, sometimes forgetting the point before returning to the punchline later. Whether rehearsed or not, it adds a certain flair to the punchline that works well with the audience. Munnery complains about getting older, and his show reflects his age; it’s a classic stand-up show with no fancy visuals or props. A couple of topics included in the show are rather dark, especially the mention of Gaza, paedophilia and Nazis. Of course, Simon’s reason for bringing these topics up (especially Gaza) is from a point of protest; it is still pushing boundaries.
His delivery is perfect; at all times, Simon remains unbothered, he shows little emotion, and it mixes perfectly with his jokes. Munnery’s show may not rely on anything flashy or groundbreaking, but it highlights his talent for writing jokes that can stand by themselves and his knack for punchline precision.
Simon Munnery 15.15, The Stand Comedy Club, until August 25
