A brilliant performance from the former wrestler
Kylemania took over the Stand. On a post-bank holiday Tuesday I was expecting the worst, maybe 10 people, but the Jarrow comedian and former wrestler brought in such a crowd that an extra area of seating had to be opened up. Samantha Tinkerbell Dobson (of Iceland advert with Peter Andre fame) opened the night and was excellent. Very close to the bone but shockingly funny, she did a sterling job of putting a smile on tired faces with some observational comedy I don’t think Michael McIntyre could possibly approach (it was about rude lady bits).
Then the Ultimate Worrier took to the stage in a most razzmatazz manner with glitter and wrestling stances followed by a slightly nervous “Alright?” Despite being self-deprecating in style and humble about his talents, Lee Kyle is very funny. His Geordie approach to comedy was perfect for the assembled audience, although I’m not sure my Japanese partner understood all of it! Luckily for us, he had a ‘wrestling in-joke’ placard so we knew when to switch off, which wasn’t often as even I know who The Rock is. His clever use of crudely made videos and occasional songs, plus playing the theme tune to Dad’s Army on his teeth, divided the set up nicely and while he may not have EMI on the phone anytime soon he definitely has the credentials to be a successful comedian.
I have the feeling he was genuinely touched to receive such an ovation that an entirely deserved encore was demanded of him. He resumed his flag routine which was a pun lover’s heaven, how he managed to make me laugh just by saying ‘Trinidad & Tobago’ was pure genius.