Back in 2005 I was “dragged” to a comedy show at the Soho Theatre. Musical comedy was never really my thing and as much as the piano playing Aussie who looked a bit like Bill Bailey’s love child sounded amusing I just wasn’t really up for it.

Thankfully I managed to pull my head out of my arse long enough to accept these free tickets that I was generously being offered, because of course that performer was Tim Minchin, that show was Darkside and to this day it is still the greatest performance that I have ever seen at the Soho Theatre.

Since that night we have seen him perform all over the UK, The Royal Albert Hall was memorable but the Pleasance Grand show at the Fringe was on another level – it actually ranks among my favourite concerts of all time.

What I guess I am trying to say is that I was stupidly excited to have the opportunity to enjoy this concert clown genius playing live once again.

Typically the Hammersmith Apollo did everything that it could to try and take the shine off the evening, the show started super late because of all late comers being admitted and the level of talking and people just wandering about as the show started was ridiculous – have some respect for the performers guys, this isn’t about you! That being said I did enjoy the new “turn your f*cking phones off” intro message.

The show starts with a few low key classics -including Mitsubishi Colt which is a personal favourite- but Rock n Roll Nerd is where things really kick off and the true spectacle of the show takes hold… from there it is a fantastical blur of, as the tagline says, old songs, new songs and f*ck you songs.

Tim Minchin may have taken a break from touring for eight years but you could never tell, his fingers gleefully strut across the ivories as he sits resplendent in one of the coolest Bowie t-shirts I’ve ever seen (honestly, I tried to buy it for a mate straight after the gig).

He is in a more reflective mood with his patter than usual but for me this is just the evolution of an act, he hits on a few hard hitting subjects and even reflects on some of the tougher moments of his recent career… although his very Aussie take on it is still highly amusing – “no one is going to have sympathy with you for chucking a sad because someone took away your $100 million cartoon“.

His voice has definitely got richer with age and at times it is truly difficult to be sure that you are at a comedy show and not a full on rock gig. His songs can make you feel in the same way that great stand-ups like Reginald D Hunter can, there is thought and passion behind the words and at no point does it feel preachy or exclusive.

I will watch this concert clowns show’s for as long as he is willing to perform them. This was one of the most enjoyable nights out that I have had in years and I cannot recommend it enough.

One last tip for future audiences – you NEED to see the encore. Do not leave to beat the crowds. Applaud, scream and stomp your feet because firstly, it’s great and secondly, who honestly knows when you will have the chance to see this man perform live again.

Clown Stars: * * * * *

 @Hammersmith Apollo, London