For a show called 'More Of Me', we heard curiously little about the real Amos. He begins by informing the audience of his objective for this show - to talk about the formative experiences of his life, his "personal Vietnams" which made him the person he is today. However, he didn't really do what he says on the tin.
This is not to say that he doesn't put together a very entertaining show. Amos is a skilled compere – his audience interaction before the support act and during his set was as good as you will see anywhere.
The audience is on his side as soon as he arrives grinning on to the stage and he creates a wonderful convivial atmosphere. However, one wonders what Amos does when there isn't an Australian, American or someone from Essex in the audience. Some of the responses during his audience chat seemed rehearsed and oft repeated rather than quick-witted, but this was the last night of a long tour following a long Edinburgh run.
Regarding the real material, what we got was a string of funny anecdotes, many of which involved his childhood. There are flashes of outrage when he speaks about racism which hints that the show might get interesting, but it doesn't amount to much.
He describes how he came to be known as "Nignog" in the playground as a result of 1970s sit com "Love Thy Neighbour". Later in the show, he reveals that he recently met Rudolf Walker, a black actor who was in the sitcom that led to his life being made a misery. Yet he glosses over this encounter and swiftly moves on.
Perhaps he is conscious that it could drag down a feel good show, but more grit would make this show more interesting.
There is a similar section about homophobia in Ragga music and his confrontation with Ragga artist Elephant Man. It is mentioned briefly, but is soon buried under a flurry of whimsical anecdotes about audiences in Norfolk or taxi drivers from Dorset.
He is immensely talented and his show is unfailingly entertaining and charming. I just wished he'd put together a more structured and memorable show.
Stephen K Amos: More of Me @ Bloomsbury Theatre, London, 15 December 2007
By Wilfred Lawson
Watch Stephen K Amos:
"Milton Jones is Britain's undisputed champion of punning. For the past few years, his club sets have consisted of nothing but proper, stand alone, solid gags, one after the next." - Wilfred Lawson on Milton Jones
