Tonight’s show is sold out. The room is a third full (ever the optimist). Coronavirus has swept the nation, and two hours ago we were told to avoid all public places, including theatres. A few stupid souls, hardy individuals, and committed comedy lovers have come out to support their local theatre (The Marlowe, Canterbury) and see Stewart Lee: Snowflake/Tornado. A double-bill of two new hour long ish minute sets from ‘the world’s greatest living stand-up’ according to The Times, and a fact we are reminded about repeatedly.
He doesn’t want to be here. He wants to be at home, away from potential viruses.
But that doesn’t stop him being witty and charming. Both shows are fun and vibrant, with a joke a minute, each one being quickly set up and smashed down.
There’s a few things that always happen in a Stewart Lee gig. He always slurs other comedians – this time it’s Ricky Gervais, Jimmy Carr and Pheobe Waller-Bridge – apparently Fleabag isn’t the first time ever that the fourth wall has been broken, who knew. There’s a lengthy bit about Alan Bennett, and Dave Chapelle doesn’t fair too well.
As a self professed fat, balding, deaf, man in his fifties with poor eyesight and diabetes, he doesn’t look like your typical snowflake. And he’s not. He’s just very culturally and socially aware, and believes strongly in political correctness. He has centre left politics, and isn’t afraid to share them.
It’s not intellectual comedy, but it is cerebral. It’s not deadpan, but it is laidback. He takes you on a journey, but there’s no conclusion. You don’t need those things with Lee. You feel comfortable, even as he challenges you, and the crowd are roaring with laughter throughout.
Is he the world’s greatest living stand-up? I’ve not seen enough to answer that. But as a man to spend my last day of freedom with, he’ll do pretty well.