Since opening her joke shop on BBC Radio 4 Miranda Hart has gone from strength to strength. Having dominated first our radio waves, then television it was only natural that her next step should be a national 'arena' tour. I was there, last night for Miranda's 'My, What I Call, Live Show' at the Brighton Centre because I'm no April Fool!
This is no ordinary comedy show tour. As a household name with a wide-ranging demographically diverse audience, Miranda's show has sold out across the country. And these aren't small, niche, comedy venues but great big arenas! With plenty of people to please this show has been directed to a high standard with big screens and 'gurn to camera' moments so that even those at the back can enjoy Miranda's trademark fourth wall breaking asides. To break down the fourth wall during a stand up show in which you are already addressing the audience is no mean feat!
Just like a rock concert, the venue was filled with people wearing t-shirts emblazoned with the catchphrase "such fun!" or the standard souvenir 'Miranda Hart tour' version. These people were serious fans who galloped down the aisles upon Miranda's instruction, and why not? With the arrival of a smal buffet on stage filled with crisps, a balloon, sweets and After Eights "what I like to call chocolate in a sheath!" Miranda announced this was not a show so much as a party, and she had the cheesy soundtrack to make the atmosphere truly celebratory.
This is what Miranda's show is all about. Enjoying life and giving in to any urge that might give you and others amusement – such as ordering all the puddings on the menu, or galloping (of course), or squeezing into a revolving door with some unsuspecting stranger. She plays the buffoon and we all love it and identify with it.
Miranda's show is very much designed to please fans of her TV show. It is packed with catchphrases which many of the audience were delighted to hear but made some of the show seem a little predictable. It was the unscripted moments, such as when Miranda tried to chat up a man in the audience only to discover that he was actually a mature-for-his-age 14 year old boy! That made me laugh.
She also had us in stitches with her observational comedy. If you try to conceal your mistake when you march off in the wrong direction down the street, Miranda will be on to you.
What makes Miranda a joy to watch is her unashamed delight in being on stage and making people laugh. There is none of the cynicism here or snide remarks that often make up a live comedy show. Miranda clearly feels she has nothing to prove and everything to go for.
The show ends with the comedy star living out a personal fantasy inspired by the pop star Beyonce. A thing I believe we would all secretly quite like to do. Miranda's doing it. Who's the fool now?
I don't think there are many tickets left but if you want to take your chances, the dates and details are HERE.
Kate Stone
Pictured: below Miranda on tour. Photo credit: Gus Gregory
