Review: Tim Minchin *****

At Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield

THERE many reasons why rock music and comedy should not work. After just a few moments of Tim Minchin’s mesmeric performance, you realise he not only succeeds, but does so brilliantly.

Nearly three hours and three standing ovations later, you are left wondering what is he actually best at? Writer of witty and original lyrics, classical pianist, performing the songs with surprising vocal excellence or his stand-up act which he reverts to in between? There is also the Heritage Orchestra he commandeers alongside his excellent band to add gravitas to the epic performance.

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Minchin enters the stage commenting “Nothing ruins comedy like arenas” and concludes by confessing the audience have paid over the odds to see a singing comedian just so he can afford that rousing 55-strong ensemble and fulfil a lifelong dream. While some of Minchin’s subject matter may be a little near the knuckle – producing a copy of the Qur-an has the audience gasping in fear of what will occur – it is easy to see there is an intelligence and fine craft to his work, the atheist fundamentalist with plenty to say on issues ranging from religion, relationships, to seven-and-a-half achingly funny minutes on... cheese.

With bold new material added to his staple of hilarious classics such as the cerebral love song If I didn’t have you and Prejudice it would be a travesty if this “one-off” tour is not re-created soon.

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