Humphrey Ker, Soho Theatre - review - Comedy - Arts

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Six months on I have warmed to Ker's Bulldog Drummond-style hero Watson, but with its lighting changes, props and narrative, this is more solo playlet than sketch show.

Beyond the categorisational nitpicking, however, there is much to enjoy. Ker, from serial history spoofers The Penny Dreadfuls, delivers a high-octane performance as the lantern-jawed Second World War action man parachuted into occupied Europe to save the world. Romanians and Nazis are involved, as war film cliché piles hilariously upon war film cliche.

As well as Watson, Ker plays the entire supporting cast, including a garrulous cartoon Geordie, gung-ho commander Rex Hammer and a Nazi observational stand-up - anyone for Michael Von McIntyre? The writing is bayonet-sharp throughout. If the mix of chocks-away vernacular and modern swearing echoes Armstrong and Miller's RAF flyboys, there are also deliciously absurd asides: "His suitcase was heavy, like an Ibsen play."

This is not a giggle-packed piece, but subtly funny. For this critic though, it just feels a little too constricted. The brightest moments were when Ker kicked the fourth wall, by slightly corpsing or when a magic trick went briefly askew.

It is these off-piste moments that linger most. A jolly good jape, but if Ker plans a sequel I'd love him to loosen up. Either that or hire a cast and do a proper play.

Until Saturday then February 13-18 (020 7478 0100, sohotheatre.com)

Humphrey Ker
Soho Theatre
21 Dean Street
W1D 3NE