Tim Minchin at Snape Maltings Concert Hall 20th August 2008

Coming straight from Edinburgh Festival to Snape Proms must have been a bit of a culture shock for “comedian, actor, composer, songwriter, pianist, musical director and huge rock 'n' roll megastar,” Tim Minchin. He commentated several times to the packed audience at his amazement at being there, but was obviously slightly bothered at the children sitting on the floor with the adult “promenaders.” This was, after all, always going to be a night of adult humour. Perhaps toned down TV appearances on “Never Mind the Buzzcocks” and “Comedy Cuts”, had misled parents as to what was in store?

His material included ridiculing religious belief, stories of marriage, sex and fatherhood; and the inevitable swear words. He may be “politically incorrect” but is very funny. Just as I was thinking that his views on Christianity would have led him into problems if it had been about one of the other world religions, he did even things up a bit with a very funny “peace anthem” for the Israeli conflict which pointed out the common ground between Jews and Moslems – they both refuse to eat pork. As he said himself, “everyone has a limit to what they can accept in comedy, and I often overstep that line”.

A monologue about a nightmare dinner party was a triumph but, as he spoke to the beat of a fasted paced backing track, I worried what would happen if he ever stumbled over the complicated rhymes and sophisticated language ( he may look a shambles but he definitely has a brain!)

Deliberately misplaced dry-ice, a spot-lit solo with windswept hair courtesy of a blowing fan, lighting and sound effects, Tim’s sending-up of rock star rituals were very funny.

Most of his songs began with gentle thought-provoking lyrics, but soon changed to honky-tonk, jazz, or the sort of humorous song that Victoria Wood used to perform at the piano – only ruder. Tim’s talents as a singer, songwriter and pianist were confirmed with his encore – a gentle song about homesickness and Christmas in the sun, back in his native Australia.

And why the makeup and bare feet? According to his website:

“I don’t wear shoes cos I went barefoot one day and liked it. I like wearing eye makeup cos it make my eyes look weird / nicer / more easily seen from the audience”.

Rachel Sloane
August 2008