Review: Ray O'Leary - Norwich Playhouse

Guest review by April Nash

Having reviewed a few shows now, I thought I’d challenge myself and say yes to doing a comedy write-up for Ray O'Leary at the Norwich Playhouse - and although I’m a big stand-up fan, I will warn you this was out of my wheelhouse.

As a warm-up act, I enjoyed Eli Matthewson a lot - he was engaging and felt like one of my best friends making me laugh over drinks. A good start.

One of the challenges I’ve found writing this is not spoiling the set - so upon following my husband's advice (who came with me to see the show), I’ve approached this review like a first date. Having no prior knowledge of O’Leary, I went in with an open mind. He covered neurodiversity, family, and veganism, all served with a healthy dose of self-deprecation. While I found it funny, I didn't exactly laugh my socks off; it wasn't a raucous affair, but it was certainly pleasant and I had a good time.

What I did enjoy was all his asides and meta jokes. Specifically, his reactions to the audiences reactions were my favourite - bizarrely earnest but very well set up. 

The payoff for the final  section of audience participation (I have no sympathy if you book the front row - you knew the risk you were taking) was well earned and structured, what I appreciated was that the jokes weren’t at the audiences’ expense and it all felt very good-natured. 

Ultimately, I felt his delivery was stronger than some of the individual jokes, but the callbacks in the final act added significant comedic value. It was a solid set, even if it didn't quite get me to second base. We might not be "relationship material," but I’d certainly see him again.