Review: Rob Rouse - Funny Bones (Norwich Theatre)

We were warned two things by Rouse at the outset: he enjoys things going on far too long, and in a rambunctious opening song, he encouraged us to lower our expectations.

He was rather doing himself a disservice with the expectations part. Rouse is an accomplished comic who is extremely comfortable in his own skin, eminently likeable, and connects well with his audiences. As for things going on too long, well, he may have had a point.

With much of the humour derived from fairly trivial domestic matters (nothing wrong with that, I might add), it simply wasn't groundbreaking or captivating enough to justify the two hour running time. Perhaps he felt he was offering excellent value for money, but with no warm-up/supporting act, some elements of the routine just dragged.

That's not to say it wasn't enjoyable - far from it - Rouse's energy was admirable as he made full use of the tools at his disposal including daft songs, props and slideshows.

And fortunately, he saved his best until last with a wonderfully crafted, hilarious, and surprisingly moving eulogy to his dearly departed/much maligned dog, Ron.

Rob Rouse's Funny Bones tour continues at venues across the UK until 3 May.