Kevin Dewsbury plays the hapless host in
Kev's Komedy Kitchen is a great, puntastic parody of this TV format that is certainly worth going to see.
We are introduced to the ‘studio recording’ by the show’s producer Will who gets the proceedings off to a good start, warns the audience about Kev's return from rehab and sets up the situation nicely. Will Hutchby is on point in this role, trying to keep everything under control and limiting the potential damage being caused by Kev’s ineptitude and constant references to food and sex in a series of puns.
As an audience member, I felt empathy for the character of Will who struggled desperately to keep the TV cookery show on track without offending the ‘studio’ audience. Kev and Will are a well balanced double act who are in tune with each other, and smoothly draw the audience into their world of attempted order.
I would have liked to see Kev reach a Basil Fawlty style level of hysterical collapse, rather than bemused confusion as the show reached its climax, which would really bring this show to its comedic potential.
Playing the inept and socially awkward guest chef is Mike Newall, a deadpan character whose career has reached the dizzy heights of working in a fast food outlet. He was an excellent comic foil within the chaos of the situation.
Che Burnley provided a lyrically witty song as a baffled guest musician – he clearly is a very good guitar player and it would have been interesting if we had been introduced to him earlier, or seen him for longer, as he was only on stage briefly. I must also mention Hannah Blakely, whose portrayal of the rude visiting producer was delightful.
Kev's Komedy Kitchen is a great, puntastic parody of this TV format that is certainly worth going to see.
