DVD Review: Al Murray, The Pub Landlord – Barrel Of Fun Live
Al Murray
The Pub Landlord certainly makes his audience feel like regular punters, interacting with them the second he rides on stage on his bizarre car/bar invention with traditional pint in hand – and, of course, no set of Al Murray’s would be complete without the British flag. Proudly projected on screen behind him throughout the show, it is evident his audience are as patriotic as his character, as boos descend throughout the Hammersmith Apollo when he jokingly changes it to another countries.
Barrel of Fun Live covers a variety of subjects, such as the differences between men and women, religion, animals with hands, and Al even goes as far as to give the single men in the audience some pulling advice – take note, boys.
The DVD bonus features include The Pub Landlord’s universally acclaimed debut The Late Lock In, which catapulted him up the mainstream comedy ladder after performing it at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Along with this bonus show is an interesting feature named Alistair Murray: Sous le Veston – an expose of the man behind the landlord character for the French Arts channel – behind the scenes coverage of the tour, and the Compete for the Meat quiz filmed at this year’s Fringe.
But that is not all. There is also a fly on the wall documentary of Al preparing for the Barrel of Fun Live tour, showing you how much hard work the man puts in to give you a great night out.
So, if you love your comedy with a strong British attitude and can’t get enough of the Landlord’s unique take on life, this DVD is for you – and, as it is jammed packed with bonus features, you can’t say it isn’t value for money. But be warned: it has an 18 certificate for a reason. No, it is not too smutty, but as the booze flows so does the swearing – but it is all part of the charm of Al Murray.
So, what are you waiting for? Get down to the shops on November 22nd for the ideal Christmas present for any hardcore Al Murray fan. They’ll love you for it.
