I鈥檒l put my hand up and readily admit my thoughts won't be mirrored by those of the small audience that gathered to watch Will Hodgson in the Studio at Warwick Arts Centre. Hodgson was well received by most, especially the gentleman over my left shoulder who was in stitches throughout. However, I remained unmoved, for it felt like I had seen the act before. Not with Hodgson, but with friends, down the pub, out and about. Basically mates make each other laugh. That鈥檚 the point to life isn鈥檛 it? A few beers and a few laughs. For sure, it was an entertaining hour or so spent listening to some delightful stories from Chippenham鈥檚 best former-wrestler-turned-comic. There were elements of his growing years, upon which his routine is based, that I fondly recognised But in truth I reckon I would have had more fun had I been elsewhere and with people I relate to. Billed as a previous winner of the prestigious Perrier Newcomer of the Year award I expected more from Hodgson. Yes, his gentle delivery can only be commended, but his act was full of stories, not comedy. And punchlines, as infrequent as they were, could be spotted a mile off. It wasn鈥檛 that it was high-brow material - I just never made a connection with Hodgson or his audience. Next time I want a giggle I think I鈥檒l opt for two pints of lager and a packet of crisps. And I鈥檓 not talking about the sitcom. |