WITH Rhod Gilbert's show strangely named The Award Winning Mince Pie, you can be forgiven for expecting an unusual wash of surreal comedy. However on opening night the comedian's previous reputation was lost for a more straight edged performance.
Along with his new image, Gilbert has also gained a new audience, with the crowd swelling considerably since his last visit to the town.
Continuing with the Robin Hood Airport story of the previous show, it's almost as if Gilbert has simply picke
d up the same gags a year later.
As he slowly reveals the small breakdown at a service station, he's easily distracted often picking on audience members, and straying onto obscure topics. He continually reminds us of his new observational stance, and it's definitely paid off. We're treated to his encounters with 'real life' which turn more obscure the more agitated Gilbert becomes.
We hear about his confusion over the toilet cleaning system in the services, the pointless attempts at customer service and the strange products sold on the motorways. It's a very truthful two hours, and for once you do not leave Gilbert's show plagued with confusion.
The show is extremely clever, tight and concise, however with this being the comedian's first night of the tour, it comes as a surprise to find that an ill-thought out encore slightly dampens the show. However it is quickly brushed aside making Rhod Gilbert the new observational master.
