RADIO NEWT, August 2004

Comedy Review
*****

Stewart Lee
Smirnoff Underbelly

Stewart Lee has a masterful way with words, a poised and confident stage presence, and the accomplished performance skills of someone who has worked and worked at it. He also knows all of the above which is what makes him such an irritating smarmy prick at times. I struggled with myself to put this out of the way and enjoy the material. Fabulous material it is too, with hand-sewn sequins and brocade edging. His revisionist Scottish history, justified by the fact that he is Scottish himself, his extended piece on the great tragedy of 'November 9th' and his battering of the photofit, by-the-numbers, nostalgic pseudo-comedy that infests every comedy club in the country are items to be savoured especially when delivered in his relaxed, laconic manner. You may, like me, however, find it neccessary to avoid looking at his face at some points so that you don't see the 'there, how clever am I' expression that frequently descends upon it. In fact, if you don't (or can't) look at him at all, it's probably a four-newt show.

Prince Smarming