Ward is engaging company and his show is an enjoyable glimpse into the mind of a performer who could probably spend a little bit more time delving into the more curious aspects of life.
The content of the show meanders through a range of largely unrelated topics, from music to sex to masculinity to visiting Soho’s G.A.Y. nightclub as a sixteen-year-old. Each one of these subjects is explored in typical laid-back and good-humoured style, liberally sprinkled with observations from the left-field that gather laughter from throughout the room.
The show’s highlights come when Ward feels at his most natural and comfortable, particularly during his interactions with the audience. He builds a rapport with the crowd with ease and a section where he takes the part of a human-tupperware relationship councillor is particularly good fun. The material that feels more worked connects less well, but perhaps this will change as August goes on.
The comedian also proves himself to be an able mimic providing a range of impersonations, from Cher to Jools Holland to the last bit of toilet paper getting pulled off the loo roll. A passage during which he imitates his mum Rachel is played with warmth and humour. These dips into more surreal territory are enjoyable enough to leave you wanting more.
Although not all of the sequences in this show hit the mark, and there are no knockout comedy punches, Ward is engaging company and his show is an enjoyable glimpse into the mind of a performer who could probably spend a little bit more time delving into the more curious aspects of life.
