You tend to think you have picked the right night to see a show when a comedian who has given a terrific show for an hour phones up its subject and wishes her a happy birthday. Performing in the cosy hut at the back of the CSE gym, Josh Howie gave a ten-step guide to living with one’s grandmother. Never accept one cup of tea as an ocean will follow; don’t watch the Wire with her, or give her any new form of technology to give up on. He was even conscious of a lull in his performance so told a great “stereo types” gag which lifted the gig. His comedy is observational and quirky without being annoyingly so, and his one-liners and way with words is spectacular. He had boasted on Fresh Air that he had a brilliant show and it certainly was that. He stays the right side of eccentric, and has a charming demeanour to match his wit. Howie doesn’t overplay his Jewishness, and his grandmother comes across as the latter word of the great Jewish Grandmother phrase. It’ll be interesting to see how his comedy career develops, as Howie could become Britain’s Great Jewish Comedian, though his humour appeals to goys and guys and gals. The good news is that his sister is recently single and, after Howie has had a kid and moved out, there’s a vacancy at Grandma’s. All rejoice.
Josh Howie: Gran Slam
Pleasance Courtyard
21:45 4-29
