Review: Marcel Lucont: Gallic Symbol – Newcastle Stand

On a night when England are playing a crunch World Cup qualifier against Poland, Marcel Lucont must be delighted that so many have shunned the Three Lions to watch his show.

Marcel is the creation of comedian Alexis Dubus – a wine-drinking, boob-signing, aloof, cod-philosopher, who, in his opening gambit, reminds us that we are lucky to be in his company.

In short, he’s a walking French stereotype, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find Al Murray-esque dissections of language, misogyny and a skewed national identity.

He’s a multi-faceted beast is Dubus, who strides through a series of set-pieces with unwavering confidence; there’s filthy sex poetry, diary readings, illustrated bedroom tips, two questionable songs and ‘five English jokes’.

There’s also Marcel’s 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover, which cranks Gallic Symbol up to Vic and Bob-style absurdity. It’s just as funny too.

Technically, Dubus is up there with the best; his sense of timing in particular elevates linguistic tricks into proper funny gags that can only come from Marcel.

What’s more, the character’s flexibility allows Dubus to quickly drop in and out of audience interaction, subtly chastising one arsehole in the crowd while flirting with another.

Clever, funny and delightfully absurd, Gallic Symbol is a master-class in meta-comedy. You wouldn’t have this much fun watching Roy Hodgson’s boys.

Date of live review: Tuesday 15 October 2013