Frank Skinner: Man in a Suit - King George's Hall, Blackburn

After watching and enjoying the work of Frank Skinner for some time now (particularly appreciating his comedic legend status in the past year or so) I was indeed looking forward last night to watching him live at King George's Hall, Blackburn.

Initially however, I had slight cause for concern. A combination of factors including a venue only two thirds full, slightly off acoustics, and a lackluster support act (to which the crowd were little more than tolerant of) led me to grow nervous. I began to question slightly in the back of my mind whether this institution of stand up would be able to turn, and indeed wow the audience gathered.

I needn't have worried. At all. Straight from the word go, the relaxed, rapier-minded raconteur of comedy that is Frank Skinner fired out line after line in a laid-back, warm and approachable manner that had us in hysterics almost every step of the way.

What's more, his approach throughout was that of  a very likable, everyday guy who just happened to have the comedic magic touch. At no point did I feel he was trying to make anyone laugh. I suspect the combination of his reputation, his rosta of experience, his good spirit and his sheer talent was what made Frank Skinner look so effortless in delivering a bombardment of sheer comic genius.

OK occasionally a tangent, or a punchline did not go off quite as well as he hoped, and his flow was a tad marred by the interruption of a key group of hecklers (though at every turn he took them down swiftly, without mercy and in utterly hilarious style). Yet compare his act and reception to that of his support (or indeed that of many mainstream comedians) and you could quickly see that Frank Skinner is a stand up comedy god. What's more, he is a very lovable stand up comedy god. Happy to laugh at himself, inclusive and friendly with his audience, and able to twist and turn in a comedic dance with sheer awe-inspiring ease. 

I am truly thankful I was lucky enough to see this great master live. There is no doubt that he is a modern great. What's more in my opinion he will go on, if he hasn't already, to become known as one of the greatest stand ups of all time. Long may he reign!