Review: Marcus Brigstocke at Oakengates Theatre
A show which puts the spotlight on the nation's political failings has all the makings of a rather dry evening.
But when it is comedian and satirist Marcus Brigstocke leading the debate you know you are in for a rather entertaining evening.
His show, The Brig Society, doesn't pull any punches and the underlying themes are serious as he tears apart Government policies. However, it is done with such brilliant comic timing, sarcasm and a real insight into human nature that you cannot help but find his show hilarious.
Brigstocke spent nearly two hours on stage with no support and it can be a lonely place up there for any performer. However, the instant the 39-year-old comedian walked out on stage he started to build up a real rapport with the audience. There was a lot of interaction with the crowd as he involved people, asked questions and created an intimate atmosphere – almost like you were in your lounge discussing politics with your insightful yet cynical and eccentric uncle.
No topic was out of bounds whether it was the Olympics, dressage, religion, volunteering, banks, the NHS and even Jimmy Carr and his tax avoidance.
Brigstocke is a very clever chap, insightful and very funny. You came away feeling entertained, having had a good laugh yet at the same time the show was thought-provoking in the way Ben Elton made people look again at the Tory policies of the 1980s.
By Judith Sanders
