David O”Doherty
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Such a thrill to get on the list last minute to see this absolute gem of an act in one of Norwich’s most beautiful venues- O’Doherty himself remarked at the sublime and ridiculous setting for his hilarious one man show. It’s been four years since he last visited the fine city of Norwich and as result he was absolute buzzing to share new material and tales of woe and wonder from his time out from stand up.
The show was a performance of two halves- the first was more unstructured and light-hearted with his signature musical storytelling streams of consciousness accompanied by the tiny keyboard. The mice in the water tank saga had me in absolute stitches! The second half told the more specific narrative of his lockdown experience on a near deserted island off the south coast with only his elderly parents for company off the back of a significant break up. I was particularly tickled by the song about the stupid things his parents ask him for help with “David- which channel is Netflix on?”, “David- how do I get on to the What is App?” and the endearing way he describes his relationship with his Mum and Dad.
Lockdown and the covid saga was just total shit and still remains a horrid reality in the background. However, I have to say that last night’s show was the first time since the pandemic erupted that I have watched a set that I felt genuinely encapsulated the misery and the hilarity of the circumstances around it. I felt we are finally far away enough to look back and consider the apocalyptic reality we all faced on our own respective deserted islands during that time.
Masking tape crudely stuck to the curtain spelled out the word ‘BACK’ for the duration of the performance which neatly tied together the final track which highlighted how happy Doherty was to be doing the thing he loves most to a wonderful audience, out on tour, laughing- “It’s just so good to be BAAAACCKKK”. David- (and I will first name you as a nod to the pre-emption to your propulsion to first name only Madonna/Cher/Britney levels of stardom in 2023 that you predict) you’re welcome back on your hot air balloon to The Fine City of Norwich any time!
