Rich Hall @ The Brindley, Runcorn – 2nd November 2009

Rich Hall looking a little like a ghost because of my poor photography.

Despite having seen Rich Hall on TV many times over the years, I had no idea what to expect of his stand up show.  Those of you familiar with Hall from his appearances on shows such a QI will know that he has something of a grumpy demeanour and I didn’t know how it would translate to live stand up.   Luckily, as well as being grumpy, he was warm and engaging with the audience, which doesn’t seem to make sense, but it definitely worked.  The first half of the show consisted of some quality stand up and there were plenty of laughs.

There were a variety of musical instruments on the stage and he announced that the second half of the show would be performed by (his alter-ego) Otis Lee Crenshaw.  I didn’t know that he was a muscial act and so I was unsure how the second half would pan out.

Otis Lee Crenshaw and his band. They also look a bit like ghosts.

I needn’t have worried and the second half surpassed the first.  Having a full band on stage, and his interactions with them, gave the show a whole new dimension, and the songs were very funny.  A particular highlight was an improvised version of ‘Big Bad John’ about a man on the front row.  The audience were clearly loving it and the whole band seemed to be enjoying themselves.

It was the perfect way to spend an otherwise boring Monday night.  If you’ve seen Hall on TV and haven’t been convinced then I recommend you give his live show a try.