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Theatre

London,

Simon Munnery's EGM

Description: The groundbreaking Perrier nominee behind Alan Parker: Urban Warrior and The League Against Tedium presents the London debut of his absurdist Edinburgh hit.



Rating: 3 out of 5 Bruce Dessau's rating
Rating: 4 out of 5

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Soho Theatre Dean Street, W1D 3NE

Phone: 0870429 6883

Website: www.sohotheatre.com

Transport: Tube: Tottenham Court Road Transport for London

Almost too much talent

Simon Munnery is a formidable talent, but he lacks editing skills
Simon Munnery is a formidable talent, but he lacks editing skills

By Bruce Dessau
13 Jul 2007


Serial non-conformist Simon Munnery has had a colourful 20-year career, notching up distinctive characters and anarchic gigs. In many respects this nostalgic retrospective perfectly summed up his enduring style - sublime wit hampered by haphazard execution.

At his best Munnery has a forensic love of language. Even an innocuous "Good evening" grabs his attention: "It could be a wish or an observation". He began on sizzling form, imagining Sainsbury's shoppers mocking Tesco fans and revealing that he plays the harmonica to avoid smoking, "which makes you even less welcome in restaurants".

But gradually things unravelled. An appeal for audience suggestions was half-hearted, his revived ranting punk Alan Parker was a parody of a parody, while his Security Guard slowed the momentum with his dead-eyed absurdism: "Three security guards go into a pub. Nothing happens. That's what we get paid for".

By the time he closed with his lecherous lecturer Dr Maurice Chutney - Ronnie Barker via Spike Milligan - he had not outstayed his welcome, there was simply too much to take in. This 80-minute set revealed Munnery's formidable talent, but also his lack of editing skills.

Until 19 July (0870 429 6883).

Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.

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