COMEDY REVIEW: Romesh Ranganathan, Phil Jerrod @ Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle (06.11.16)

Making friends early on with a lively Newcastle crowd Phil Jerrod kicks off the evening. The Brighton thirty-something is a long way from home but makes this Northern stage his own. Taking playful swipes at the hipster generation while mocking his own beard and Vans combo, his Southern bumpkin charm rattles ribcages from the start. Experiences with magic mushrooms, fatherhood and dog called Burt Reynolds take things from the eccentric to the absurd in an opening set that warms everyone’s cockles just nicely. It’s a great start to the evening and Jerrod nails it in his own charming rough diamond demeanour. Look out for a fresh face on TVs comedy panel circuit.

Tonight’s headliner Romesh Ranganathan saunters on to the stage with the swagger and confidence of a comedian right on his game. Putting the world to rights with his observational take of what’s wrong and what’s wrong, he tackles everything from Syria to Starbucks with an outstretched middle finger.

Unafraid to pull any punches, Ranganathan’s pessimistic outlook on events confirms to those familiar with his TV appearances and stand-up routine that his time is right now and his talent stands out. Turning his spiel on to family matters, he hits them hard; tales of toilet training and cinema visits with the kids have the audience cringing with delight.

Tongue-in-cheek throughout, Ranganathan’s his comedy hits hard and loud. Steering the right side of controversial.