‘Everyone should write their own eulogy,’ Mick Ferry tells us. He then proceeds to show us how it’s done by reading the one he had written for himself.
This slightly morbid opening serves as a great ice breaker; we learn a lot about Ferry’s personality in this comically written tribute. He has no qualms in admitting he has many flaws and that he is far from the best father – contrary to what his mug says.
The inspiration for this show was born from the realisation that every meal in his household eventually turns into an argument. Amidst his three children bickering, Ferry and his parenting skills regularly ended under crossfire.
As his show title indicates, Ferry’s set is structured around a list of the areas in which he feels that he falls short, particularly his shortcomings as a parent. Considering the pessimistic and self-deprecating theme, he manages to keep the show optimistically entertaining.
Along the way, we also get to learn more about the man; his likes, dislikes and his experience of being a father of grown up children. He uses his life experience to deliver a show that is both amusing and heartfelt – his stories come across very organic and believable.
What I appreciated was that even though his material is centred largely on family life, specifically about being a parent, Ferry delivers it in a way that makes it easily accessible and enjoyable by all. His straight-talking ‘no frills’ style is punchy, to the point, and very witty.
This is a show about acknowledging the not-so redeeming parts about yourself and embracing them. Mick Ferry knows he has a ways to go but it is his ability to find the funny in his predicament that makes the show well worth the watch.
