Went along to see this show, part of Jimmy's Repeat Offender tour which started last summer and goes through to this summer, in Cardiff tonight - my first show both at the WMC and my first time seeing Jimmy live.
The WMC is a much criticised venue both for its desgin and its operating losses but, personally, I think it is a cracking arena and the mainstream shows, like this, have few difficulties selling out.
Inside the arena, the design, seating and views are all excellent - each row raised to such a level that you barely notice there is anyone in front of you.
As for Jimmy Carr, I am a big fan of the man and have watched him numerous times on tv. This was a highly entertaining show and good value too but, despite a barrage of close to the knuckle or below the wterline jokes and observations, it all seemed a bit subdued.
The reasons were many and not all the fault of Jimmy. A show on a Sunday night naturally doesn't seem to have the same buzz or atmosphere about it, a 7:30pm start (we were out at the early time of 9:30) meant a sober crowd, big arenas don't woprk for me in comedy and I was 4 floors up and about as from away from the stage as you could be, there was no warm up act to get the mood going (just a couple of spoof public information films with Jimmy) and, lastly, I am either going deaf or the volume wasn't cranked up at all. It sounded like Jimmy was having a normal chat sitting next to me.
Yes, I really was that far away
Given all that, it was more laughalong rather than laugh out loud. Carr purposely tests the senses and is raw with his material - jokes about the disabled, paedohiles, religion (you name the target and he covered it) - but his delievery style is so measured and gentle, I'm not easily offended but you do relaise it's just humour and a diversion from life itself although his observational humour was excellent.
The set was simple was some one-line routines, reading out his own reviews, surreal comments and jokes about sex, sex and sex ... ooh and sex.
Carr stayed arond for autographs and photographs post-show but, by the time, I'd already got home in my car.
I will see Jimmy again but hope it's louder next time, I get a better seat and it's on a Friday or Staurday night!
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