Review: Lee Evans [Roadrunner] – Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle

Lee Evans

Before Lee Evans graced us with his presence at the Metro Radio Arena two video clips played on the three giant screens built into the stage. The first video was a highlight reel of his previous shows: his trademark physicality, routines about his dim wife – and why he simultaneously loves and hates kids; and a bit of a sing-song at the end. The second, played just before he walked on stage, was an animated mock-up of the evolutionary growth from ape to man, with Evans in between.

Chimpius Sweatius, the narrator called him – and the crowd lapped it up. You can even buy the t-shirt in the foyer if you want.

Unfortunately, as far as his material is concerned, there seems to be little progression in the long career of Lee Evans. You’ve come to know what to expect: larger than life storytelling, plenty of visual gags and an occasional sharp one-liner – and that’s fine. It’s what hundreds of thousands of people have paid to see on his Roadrunner tour.

But the highlight reel at the top of the show wasn’t so much reflective, more prophetic. Only a few routines were repeated ‘fully’ from previous tours – like his shtick on dealing with a flat tire, for example – but what was truly disappointing was that his material remains formulaic and, more often than not, predictable.

“Gok? Cock more like” is about the level of wit on offer as Evans pitches his everyday observations at a consistently obvious angle. And when the bulk of his feed lines consist of the acutely mainstream quips, ‘Have you noticed that…?’ or ‘Do you ever get this…?’ then the slick, likeable, relatable Lee Evans feels manufactured. The brand that’s ticking the boxes.

And clearly Evans does tick a lot of boxes. This audience loved him and I suspect he’ll receive a similarly joyous response wherever he goes.  Even the trademark sing-along at the end was given a deafening round of applause, despite its obvious self-indulgence.

But here’s the thing: I’ve actually got a ton of respect for Lee Evans. As a nineties kid he pretty much introduced me to stand-up – and I’ve been hooked ever since. I loved the silliness, the slapstick and, without really knowing it at the time, the innocence of the act. The way he created laughter from the visual as well as the spoken intrigues me even now.

That’s probably why the most enjoyable aspect of this show for me was his final sketch; Evans’ mime to Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, the ultimate nonsense song. While the song played not one word was uttered. No tired observations on what to do if your car’s broken down – though his deft take on how the AA got its name is sublime – just magical comic acting.