Apparently
there are two sides of Jack Cowley’s (formerly Russell) stand-up; there’s the
Cowley who performs a standard, set routine and then there’s an alter ego who
performs a more impromptu set. We were subjected to the latter personality on
this night.
What can I say? Cowley came on to
the stage looking (and sounding) like John Lydon with his dyed-red, ruffled hair
and sporting a well enunciated, gravelly delivery.
At first it seemed like he was
flustered and unprepared but that was because I was waiting for a rehearsed
monologue delivered from centre stage; instead, Cowley went straight for the
jugular; moving beyond the realms of the spotlighted stage area, into the
audience to interact naturally and hilariously with every area of the room.
The thread of his set varied
depending on where audience reactions took him (at one point he double-dared
everyone to hide backstage) and he seamlessly bounced back and forth between
targets.
Topical, off-the-cuff, and
dangerous; Cowley’s lack of direction keeps you attentive and his relaxed style,
wily way and acerbic wit keeps you laughing.
Venue: Capitol
Arts Centre – Horsham
Date Of Show:
17th October
2004
Place on bill:
1st Act
