Review: Al Murray, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
Britain's favourite – and one of its longest serving – pub landlords put on a memorable show when he came to Theatre Seven.
Children born when Al Murray first started performing as the Pub Landlord would now legally be able to buy their own drinks – a sobering thought.
Though everyone is familiar with his catchphrases and a cheer rang out as he took to the stage with his famous cry of "All hail to the ale," Al Murray still has the power to keep the landlord alive.
The real strength of his performance in Shrewsbury yesterday was his interactions with the audience; Murray can pick out a participant at random and seems to have a response ready for whatever comes at him.
Not only armed with his quick wit, he is also able to remember everyone he has spoken to and relate back to them throughout the show, making it feel like the performance is more personal.
He also clearly does his research, as a few quips about the residents of Telford went down well with the Shrewsbury crowd.
Al Murray's latest show, The Only Way is Epic, he tells you is his chance to save Great Britain. He is a motivational speaker, intending to make the audience feel "epic" and ready to fix everything that is wrong with the nation.
Covering everything from the EU crisis to Fifty Shades of Grey, the landlord's take on the everyday is relatable, and at points, hilarious.
By Sophie Madden
