Review: Patrick Monahan, Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham

Jun 7 2010 By Karen Wilson, The Journal

THERE are two words together that strike dread into the heart of any theatre-goer – "audience" and "participation".

And when the audience only number around 40, you can pretty much guarantee that everyone will be taking part in some way.

So entering the cafe of The Queen’s Hall (perhaps an indicator of poor ticket sales) my heart sank when the only table left was slap bang in front of the mic.

With condiments and menus still on the tables, an array of cakes on display and bright sunlight still streaming through the large windows for the first half, it was an odd venue for a stand-up comedy show.

Supporting Patrick Monahan was Leicester-based Alan Seaman, whose topical routine raised a few smiles but little audible laughter, with a short slot for Alistair Grieves.

Tapping into the "loser comedy" genre, Grieves’s self-depreciating gags (with notes written on his hand) actually showed some initial promise.

Unfortunately his muffled delivery and slightly off timing did him no favours and he died towards the end.

Thankfully Monahan was in another league. Nailing that elusive rapport, he launched into full-on audience banter displaying the confidence and relaxed genial manner gained through years as a warm-up man for TV.

However the pace dipped in the second half as the audience took over, shouting out animal phobias and even starting to talk among themselves at one point.

Then Monahan got carried away telling a dragged-out anecdote about geese.

The show ended on a dance routine to National Anthems with a divorce lawyer and a 16-year-old lad plucked from the audience.

They played along gamely but it was reminiscent of a cheesy entertainment night in a Spanish hotel bar.

Known for performing beyond his allocated slot, Monahan had already run over when he launched into material about his Irish/Iranian/Teesside background.

But by this time the audience were flagging. Monahan would be the first to admit he’s not a cutting-edge stand-up.

But he has the likeability factor of Peter Kay and I can imagine him fronting a mainstream Saturday night show, if only he can tighten up his act.

Patrick Monahan is at Alnwick Playhouse on July 28 & Darlington Arts Centre on July 29.