Mighty Boosh Live in Brighton

After seeing the preview show back in August, I hadn't set my expectations high for the actual paid for show in Brighton. Although we bought our tickets way back last year in November I thought we'd be a lot nearer the front especially being a member of the Modwolves fan club and being a day earlier than the general public were allowed to buy theirs. Unfortunately, this was not the case as we were to the far left with about 200 seats getting a better view. Another gripe was the early start and no chance to buy drinks - damn that Brighton Centre for running a tight(arsed) ship.

There were quite a few changes for the better with many of the fragmented scenes re-ordered including the Honey Monster (I won't say when and how in case you haven't seen it). I think the Boosh management have been listening to their public (they may have even read my blog but I may be getting cocky now) as they included Series 3 character favourite, Crack Fox. Rolled on in a huge wheelie bin surrounded in bin bags, he reminded me of a really skanky, evil Kermit the frog playing his plastic guitar.

The show followed it's normal format introducing the characters with their own long-running jokes. Some good banter again from Vince teasing Howard with his slow comebacks which were Indian food based for some reason. Vince managed to gain an entertaining heckler going on about Bovril. Bob Fossil's appearance involved some audience participation with dancing which worked for the Brighton crowd. His Lithuanian taxi driver stint was thankfully cut shorter than the preview but still didn't work though would say it helped the rest of the cast have time for costume change.

Tony Harrison was wheeled on in his armchair costume though the main joke was him dealing with how uncomfortable it was. Having seen the preview this felt a little put on but to the rest of the audience was hilarious.

Before the end of the first half, the Hitcher appeared doing an audience wander checking out any fan costumes and finished with the Eels song. The budget stretched to an enormous inflatable eel which the Hitcher was able to mount and bounce up and down on.

The second half was still the end of the world play with Howard and Vince blackmailing him with his jazz mag photos. At the preview, this part of the show was the weakest but with their lines well remembered and the quality of the props and songs they pulled it off well.

The end of the show was a medley of Crimping with all their best songs. I couldn't believe how good Jimmy Lazers (Bollo) sung - he so could have been a soul singer.

Overall, even though we'd heard and seen the jokes before, it was still funny and very polished.