The Stables Theatre and Arts Centre
The Bourne, Hastings
East Sussex TN34 3BD
01424 423221
The Bourne, Hastings
East Sussex TN34 3BD
01424 423221
Jo Brand
15 January 2010
Reviewed by Peter Harvey
15 January 2010
Reviewed by Peter Harvey
The Stables Theatre is much favoured by performers who enjoy the intimacy of one of the best small venues in the country. Having opened its 2009 season with Sir Ian McKellen, it was delighted to welcome Hastings girl Jo Brand to start its programme for 2010. Jo had accepted the invitation, saying that she would be delighted to help put a few tiles on the historic building’s roof, which requires extensive work. The show was sold out within two days.
It was a privilege to welcome Britain’s first lady of stand-up comedy, and Jo is so much more than that. She has become the first name TV producers think of when they want some modicum of control over funny men on their top entertainment and discussion shows. Jo meets them all on an uneven playing field, on which the men are the disadvantaged; although she is often the only woman present, she puts them in their places with her scathing and insightful wit. Having once worked as a psychiatric nurse, Jo finds the male ego very easy to deal with, as many celebrities have found to their cost.
The Stables audience took her to their hearts. It was clear from the start of the evening that Jo enjoyed being up-close and personal. Some of her material had been heard before, but her rapport with the audience and her superb timing and delivery made everyone feel they were party to a personal chat. We were captivated, never feeling that she kept us at arm’s length. In the question and answer session which followed the interval, Jo was warm-hearted, showing a perception and spontaneous wit which had her listeners rapt.
Jo’s story is well recorded, but she has become more than an entertainer. The lady in Doc Martens rings true as the voice of reasoned feminism and a guardian of the social conscience, constantly challenging her audiences’ perceptions and prejudices. As for male chauvinists, if they dared to be in the audience, they must have been squirming in their seats!
So, our heartfelt thanks, Jo. It was both a pleasure and a privilege to have been there.
It was a privilege to welcome Britain’s first lady of stand-up comedy, and Jo is so much more than that. She has become the first name TV producers think of when they want some modicum of control over funny men on their top entertainment and discussion shows. Jo meets them all on an uneven playing field, on which the men are the disadvantaged; although she is often the only woman present, she puts them in their places with her scathing and insightful wit. Having once worked as a psychiatric nurse, Jo finds the male ego very easy to deal with, as many celebrities have found to their cost.
The Stables audience took her to their hearts. It was clear from the start of the evening that Jo enjoyed being up-close and personal. Some of her material had been heard before, but her rapport with the audience and her superb timing and delivery made everyone feel they were party to a personal chat. We were captivated, never feeling that she kept us at arm’s length. In the question and answer session which followed the interval, Jo was warm-hearted, showing a perception and spontaneous wit which had her listeners rapt.
Jo’s story is well recorded, but she has become more than an entertainer. The lady in Doc Martens rings true as the voice of reasoned feminism and a guardian of the social conscience, constantly challenging her audiences’ perceptions and prejudices. As for male chauvinists, if they dared to be in the audience, they must have been squirming in their seats!
So, our heartfelt thanks, Jo. It was both a pleasure and a privilege to have been there.
Also in this section >
Photographs > www.artypharty.com
A selection of production photographs from the 1950s to the present is available at our photographer Peter Mould’s website.
A selection of production photographs from the 1950s to the present is available at our photographer Peter Mould’s website.
