Graham Macpherson, aka Suggs, has produced a show with a clue in the title. For over an hour he delights and amuses with tales of growing up in the centre of London, all spurring out from a tale about the day his cat died.
Some people spend years at drama school mastering the art of the one man show and try several formats before finding the one that works. Almost annoyingly, Suggs has skipped that phase and gone straight into producing engaging and interesting theatre.
Accompanied by his mate Deano on the grand piano, the music is on time and refined enough to add even more charm to this sweet little tale. Grand piano four bar versions of T-Rex songs will always make great theatrical mood setters. There is a subtle set of chair and instruments, but the show works on a level that sells it without the need for flashy props or sets or the ‘little help from his famous friends’ that a performer like this could easily have called on.
If you loved Madness, you’ll love this; if you didn’t, you’ll still find it interesting and endearing. If you do know his music you’ll know that Suggs isn’t the best singer, but what he does do really well is perform. Every song, line and look is pumped with the enthusiasm and charisma that made him famous. Suggs has obviously worked hard on everything- it has all been trimmed and refined perfectly and it’s really noticeable.
From the Mods silently mouthing the words as the light from the stage reflected in their faces, to the younger generations who were raised to the sounds of One Step Beyond, this crowd pleaser has Top of the Pops written all over it.
