Stewart Lee, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - review

Based loosely on Caspar David Friedrich’s painting Wanderer Above a Sea Fog, Telford’s Stewart Lee took the sold out audience on a two hour seemingly off topic tirade including Brexit, Trump and the fact that punters bringing their friends along to the show spoilt it’s reception. There’s also some real material in amongst it relating to our place in a digital world, Lee’s approach to DVD re-sales and his hatred of the under 40’s.

His deadpan and defensive approach allows Lee to seamlessly flick between scripted material and off the cuff topics, joined on stage by piles of DVD’s that become part of the show at various points. The fact that Lee is no longer on our screens as part of his BBC Comedy Vehicle series has seemingly given him the time to craft and perfect a show for the live environment, that works on a variety of levels both in terms of intellect and comedy.

On the hottest day of the year so far, Lee included various local references whilst analysing his audience in terms of social status and their decisions during the Brexit vote. He also took the time to air his feelings on various television comics both in terms of their fly away success and unimaginative material.

And it’s with this that you appreciate the talent and thought that has gone into this latest tour, through Lee’s ability to stand out from the crowd and remain individual whilst filling rooms the size of the Wolverhampton Grand.

Stewart Lee will certainly be welcomed back into the city with open arms once the next tour comes around.