CityLife

Rob Brydon

ENDURING: Rob Brydon

Royal Northern College of Music, Manchster

October 28, 2011

“THERE’S more to me, you know”, Rob Brydon quipped at one uncontrollably hysterical audience member, following his uncanny impression of close friend Ronnie Corbett.

Indeed, if you thought you knew everything about the Welsh comedian, this evening would have made you think twice.

Choc-a-bloc with impressions, singing, snippets from his days as a voiceover artist (he voiced adverts for Tesco, Kit Kat and Tango to name a few) and anecdotes about his years growing up in Swansea, a captive audience were given a whirlwind insight of how Brydon (pictured) cracked his way into showbusiness.

The evening consisted of extracts from the 46-year-old’s autobiography, Small Man In A Book, as well as other stories about his childhood, through to his days working at a sweaty nightclub and presenting on a home shopping channel before hitting the big time.]

Funny, genuine and intelligent, Brydon had the crowd creased over with laughter with his life story. He relaxed very quickly into the role of story-teller, clearly enjoying himself and slouching in his seat as he recounted the time he inadvertedly stole Catherine Zeta Jones’ lunch money, and received career guidance from the late Jimmy Savile.

Perhaps it’s because of his most popular role – that of sheltered, endearing uncle Bryn in Gavin and Stacey – that Brydon has the reputation of a comedian with a gentle, family-friendly style of humour.

Yet seeing him on stage in the latter stages handling hecklers revealed a true veteran of the comedy club scene – confident, quick and as potty mouthed as the rest of them.

Asked during the Q&A whether he was happy with the success he has had, Brydon replied: “I’ve got a sitcom, chat show and cereals – I’m laughing”.

And this audience were laughing too. Well done for a great night’s entertainment.