The phrase ‘you can’t fault them for trying’ is sadly inapplicable for Stewart Lee. Once a roaring, venom-spitting demon whose cynical world view was something to behold, he seems a lacklistre shadow of his former self.
His new show sees him meander the planet with a clutch of apologetic anecdotes which are delivered with the laconic genius of Steven Wright in mind. However, it’s more reminiscent of Bagpuss after a hard day’s graft.
You find yourself willing him on to finish gags, resisting the temptation to cry out the punchline four lines before he does.
A frustrating display from someone who is much better.
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Bosco239, youtube
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Tweeter Kyriakou, Twitter
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BBC iPlayer edition of discussion of Stewart Lee on A Good Read
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