Geoff Norcott is worried about double dips. Not financial ones, but the fact that when bad things happen in life they tend to come in pairs. This is the basis of his new hour-long show, playing for one week only at the Shack Comedy Club. Crammed into a small space below Rose Street, this is straightforward stand-up of the highest calibre. Norcott is an engaging host with an easy-going manner and his audience could relate to him from the outset.
The theme of Norcott's set was loosely based around the loss of his mother. Although this might sound depressing, it was anything but. Rather, he used this as a device to lead us through the complexities of love, loss and family life. From pain, much mirth is borne and Norcott's style allowed the audience to find themselves reflected in his material. This is clever storytelling, mixed with some classic punch-lines.
The day I saw him Norcott had a heckler to deal with. Whilst you might expect a comic to be used to this, this was no ordinary heckler. This was bizarre, unprompted heckling that was rude to the performer and disrespectful to the rest of the audience. Norcott looked glancingly terrified, before delivering one of the best put-downs I've heard in a long time to regain control of his patch. From then on Norcott chose to ignore the inconsiderate viewer, to allow the rest of the audience to enjoy the show. This was consummate professionalism and was greatly appreciated by the rest of his ticket-buying punters.
After an hour of fun and laughter, Norcott brought his set to a close by reflecting on the positives that had come out of the difficult times he had been through. Maybe not the edgiest of comedians, he is a great entertainer and an endearing performer deserving of a wider audience. An hour spent in his company will brighten your day!
