CityLife

Stephen K Amos: The Feelgood Factor

Stephen K Amos
The Lowry
February 21, 2010

As a dozen glitter balls lit up the stage like a top Manchester nightclub, I knew the comedy circuit's man of the moment would deliver something special.

As the curtains parted at the Lowry on Salford Quays, Beyonce's All The Single Ladies bounded around the auditorium and a magical Stephen K Amos body popped his way into his audience's hearts.

Aptly named the Feelgood Factor, Amos promised a light hearted comedy showcase with no agenda and he managed to delivered it perfectly.

Amos has been on the comedy circuit for 20 years, but he has only recently become a household name after appearing on a number of TV panel shows and a stint on Live At The Apollo.

His largely observational material has broad appeal and great audience interaction. He may not be the edgiest comedian on the block, but he is definitely one of the most slick.

Amos spends the first part of the show ad-libbing with the audience, including a 17-year-old baker on the front row, a posh toff in the circle and cocky ancient history student wanting to break on to the comedy scene.

It is here where Amos proves his weight in comic gold. For a man who grew up in South London, his northern accent isn't bad either.

Being black is a topic that Amos frequently alludes to, but keeps it fresh and manages to turn the prejudices of others - including Prince Harry with 'you don't sound like a black chap'; and Australians with 'aren't you married to that fat chick?' - into something that is jaw-achingly funny.

He even muses on BNP leader Nick Griffin's favourite shower song, concluding that he is a closet Motown fan: 'R.E.S.P.E.C.T / white supremacy'.

Amos's well put together, must-see act was supported by fuzzy-faced comedian Sean Walsh whose style included hitting his head against the microphone numerous times.

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