Micky Flanagan has gratified crowds night after night throughout a phenomenal 150 date stint across the UK and a sell-out West End run. Without showing a hint of exhaustion, Micky took to the Liverpool Empire stage on the final furlong, thanking the crowd for venturing 'out out' mid-week, promising to be done by 10pm so "we can all get our 8 hours" and instantly won us over with his impression of a cockney swagger.
After fifteen years on the circuit, rising to nationwide fame via appearances on Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow and a regular spot on Mock the Week, it is easy to see why Micky is so instantly likeable. Effortlessly running through his set as if he were chatting every single one of us over a pint in the pub (or wine for ladies wishing to appear that bit more sophisticated until the affects of 12% kick in), cheeky punchlines lace a fast-paced delivery filled with incredible honesty and warmth.
Sharp, well crafted and, most importantly, laugh-a-minute material is heavily packed with the juxtaposition of Micky's working class roots and the middle class South East London he finds himself now sitting gladly although, at times uncomfortably, in. Literally peeking through his curtains at the world outside, wary of being collared by the local overly-friendly neighbour for the fourth time in a day.
Former East End fish packer turned university graduate, Micky spends a large chunk of the set taking a nostalgic look at his childhood in the 1970s when Spain was the most exotic destination to which Britons would venture, children weren't even seen (through a cloud of cigarette smoke) let alone heard and flatly refused requests for luxuries such as 'Alphabetti Spaghetti'. In today's cosier, 'finest range'-obsessed middle-class culture, our tiny tots are not only listened to but handed the choice of which pasta they would prefer with their evening meal.
Micky mourns for today's youth, who are denied the childhood struggles and victories he experienced. The highlight of the night, drawing a prolonged belly laugh from the entire crowd in unison, came in Flanagan's ground-breaking observation for the cause of rising teenage pregnancies in the last 20 years, which I cannot possibly repeat, nor would I want to ruin for anyone yet to finger his DVD for themselves...
Forced to accept the modern-day power-struggle between men, women and children, Micky scores mini victories while his wife "buries" his shoes defiantly beneath her own and refuses to allow him a man's right to "***king about" time. Micky will embrace snatches of freedom enjoyed while it takes 10 minutes for a bath to run, or even 3 minutes while his purposefully cheaply bought kettle boils. Keen to ensure his son is aware of his roots, he'll slip him kit kat biscuits during episodes of 'On the Buses', taking pity on him for considering a box of 15 organic raisins a treat.
Flanagan is witty, smart and endlessly riveting to watch, and not a single person in the crowd would have minded losing a few minutes before the alarm clock rang out this morning had he stayed on stage beyond 10pm. True to his word, he left the stage at 9.57pm to rousing applause after serving up an encore of his famous 'Out Out' routine.
There are just twelve live gigs to go until Micky's tour comes to an end on 14th November, perhaps by force, as that happens to be the date his debut DVD is released and UK homeowners (or occupiers - Micky's quick-thinking pet name when memory's failed him after a one night stand) can purchase the show to have their ribs tickled again and again. Truly the perfect stocking filler for any member of your family as yet unfamiliar with this cockney herbert's unmissable brand of humour.
9/10
www.mickyflanagan.com
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