Rubbernecker ****
The title for the show comes from the fact that, the writers claim, there will be bits you shouldn’t watch, but will be compelled to, in the same way as a car crash. Robin Ince has subtitled it "the breakdown show", as his material veers wildly to some of the strangest stand-up you are ever likely to hear.
Steve Merchant brought a whole new dimension to the night. He seemed quite put out there was a severe lack of "Steve fans" in, and soon became overly aggressive with the audience. Merchant’s performance degenerated into a kind of agonising horror, and had the audience in hysterics from the moment he stepped on stage.
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Hide AdAnd then it’s time for Derek, a misunderstood young man who has a bad habit of "sending creatures to Jesus". A new character from Ricky Gervais, Derek is another horror that left many people in hysterics - you know you’re not supposed to laugh, but you can’t help yourself.
Jimmy Carr ended the evening with his crafted one-liners and deadpan delivery. Many of his lines were greeted with equal measures of groans and laughs, and quite often the build-up got as many laughs as the punchlines.
Overall, the comedians are a brilliant mix, as their styles complement each other incredibly well. Which must be worrying them to hear individually.
Ends tomorrow