In 'The Mighty Boosh', Noel Fielding took us on a journey through time and space. In 'Luxury Comedy' he invited us to visit Painted Hawaii. But in 'An Evening With Noel Fielding' the comedian took the audience on their greatest adventure yet, through the many twists and turns of his vast imagination.
The evening began as ordinarily as possible for Fielding. He was quick to point out that he's now aged 41 (though he could probably still pass for under 30) and so finds himself walking like Prince Charles with his hands behind his back. But of course, that's where the similarities end.
At 41, Fielding is still as enchanting as ever and holds the same childlike charm which first made him a star in 'The Mighty Boosh'. One joke saw him vividly describe the life of a teabag, complete with 'Dante's Inferno' references, while in another he was simply a 'chicken man' who squawked around the stage amusing himself just as much as everybody else.
A running joke in the show saw fellow 'Luxury Comedy' actor Tom Meeten portray Antonio Banderas, Fielding's 'stand in' for the night, while real life brother Mike (in a long, blonde Bruce Dickinson-esque wig) was cast as Noel's cheating wife, who left him for a triangle named Gordon.
There was also appearances from Boosh favourite The Moon, who is now plagued by an evil alter-ego 'the dark side of the moon', who wished to wreak havoc on Noel's mum's new carpet. As well as new fan favourite, the plasticine punk Joey Ramone.
After a short break, it was time for Act Two and no one could have quite guessed what Fielding had in store for us next, after The Moon announced the star of the show had been kidnapped. From that point on, the rest of the evening played out like a punk pantomime as Fielding used characters from 'Luxury Comedy' to aid in his own rescue.
As the New York Cop Sargent Raymond Boombox, Fielding interrogated audience members with charm and ease, showing his quick wit and improvisational skills, while his rescuer, the heroic Fantasy Man, is perhaps the comedian's finest post-Boosh creation.
'An Evening With Noel Fielding' was a whirlwind of colours, characters and stories that feel like at least three shows blended into one. But as a performer, Fielding's charm and charisma were able to effortlessly carry the audience through each section, ensuring no one was left behind.
If it's a night of fantastical fun and laughs you're after then 'An Evening With Noel Fielding' will certainly tick all the right boxes. But for those who are unsure whether or not they're ready to enter 'the fantasy zone' yet, don't worry. Under Fielding's guidance we can all be persuaded to spend at least one night away from reality.
Stephanie Chase
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