Sam Simmons: Meanwhile review, Soho Downstairs

Is Sam Simmons stand-up or theatre? On the basis that his show has a fictional narrative, a stupendous number of props and sound cues and is highly engaging even when not funny, let's call it theatre.

Muff and tumble

Simmons is an Australian who has the look of Grommet. He plays an agony uncle radio DJ from the outback. What follows is his response to a series of peculiar problems, his large, square face with its round, dark expressive eyes, as telling as that of the plastiscine pooch. Thought and emotion are conveyed with twitches while his mouth engages with an earthy dialogue well pitched at a late evening subterranean audience. Running the stage at Soho Downstairs in an old tee shirt and shorts, he soon conjures mayhem.

From a talking llama to a Star Wars Christmas mash-up and racquet-ball with fresh bread, every moment of 75 minutes is filled with oddness. Whether it's anarchy or irony, it's a good way to wind down after a week or two of excess.

In conclusion:  Simmons' show won him five star plaudits on the Edinburgh Fringe. The Soho audience is less drunk, less forgiving, older and more sophisticated, but Meanwhile goes down very well there, too. A cheering hello to 2012.

References
Soho Theatre
Emma McAlpine review on Spoonfed