There are plenty of reasons to like Chris Addison: he has regularly roles in two top comedy series, has appeared on a cross-Atlantic movie success and seems relatively grounded. He also effortlessly crosses the comedian-actor pigeonhole with deceptive ease and to top it all off, older generations love him and his well-spoken demeanour.
It’s been five years since Addison last embarked on a stand-up tour, a period during which he has been on television an awful lot. As a result of this there are quite a few moments throughout this show which you might have already seen on the box, either on Live at the Apollo or on one of the Mock the Week performance rounds. This is a shame as you really do get the impression that Addison is crying out for some good, original material that will run the length of the show.
When it works, it really does work, and Addison remains as watchable as he does on TV. Kicking off the show at the Bloomsbury Theatre in London halfway through his 2011 tour, Chris observes that the venue is part of a university and that he can determine how crap such establishments are based on the length of the name – using the University of Central England as an example.
You know, this is a good observation, but like his material on people driving caravans, it isn’t completely original when you’ve seen him present it in a shorter form on TV. There is also the argument that both Addison’s delivery and some of his motorway-centric material is more than a little reminiscent of Jasper Carrott (an observation that has been made many times before) – great during his own era, Carrott shouldn’t be a figure for younger (Addison is 38) comics to model themselves on in 2011.
Sadly it is that old story of great presentation polishing up poor content. The routine is punctuated by good lines but they’re too few in number. A quick look at the competition in the comedy DVD market this Christmas throws up Andy Parsons, Peter Kay and Greg Davies. That’s three very different comics all offering engaging, hilarious shows. Chris Addison’s five year break from stand-up hasn’t served him well, sadly – he’s behind the game and this disc just isn’t up to the standard of the competition.
So once again the recommendation is this: if you’re a big fan of The Thick of It or Addison’s Mock the Week appearances then knock yourself out and head to Amazon where you can buy it for just £11.60.
If you’re not a fan, then steer clear; there are better laughs available.