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Rhod Gilbert, Knocking on Heaven’s Door
- Brecon Theatre, London
- 22 March 2007
An empty auditorium fails to dampen the homecoming leg of the Welsh stand-up’s tour
Rhod Gilbert’s breakthrough show 1984 scored him a Perrier nomination by juxtaposing a traditional, formulaic approach to gag construction with the personality of an eccentric Welsh bumpkin. It marked him out as a fresh, unique talent and won him an army of loyal fans. However, with Knocking on Heaven’s Door, Gilbert has dared to move away from his proven formula. He’s opted for a more conversational, interactive approach – choosing to do away with worked gags to focus instead on his natural storytelling ability. Although some of his fans are still unsure of his new direction there is no denying that it works.
The shows subject matter never strays too far from the comedy staples of sex, death and religion but KoHD proves that Gilbert possesses the ability to diversify his comedy without compromising the humour.
Welsh stand-up seemed on the brink of extinction. What a pleasant surprise then to stumble across someone other than Gilbert who seems more than competent of delivering a line or two. Lloyd Langford spent most of his short set battling against a senile jazz pervert called Dennis who had bought a ticket under the assumption that Gilbert was a Bob Dylan tribute act. In spite of this Langford’s droll delivery and effortless calm marked him out as someone with genuine potential.
Henry Widdicombe
