Tank Bar & Live Lounge, Warrington
Touring
Review by Brian Gorman
The subtitle for this endearingly dotty, scatter-brained, and heartwarming show is 'THE STAR OF 'WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY?'IS BACK FROM THE DEAD!'. Brutally honest, and shot through with the blackest of humour, the title says it all. Tony Slattery was a shining light, with matinee idol looks; a clean cut, goofy, live wire star of stage and screen throughout the 80s and 90s, whose career nosedived spectacularly, due to a mix of well-documented physical and mental health problems. However, in recent times he has bounced back, and here demonstrates he has lost none of his trademark chaotic improvisation skills, whilst presenting a more humble, all-too-human side during a first half conversation with host Erica Lear.
Looking like a slightly sozzled Santa Claus, apparently caught unawares on a Boxing Day morning, Slattery walks gingerly to the tiny stage, like a rat-arsed fearful hamster, and is welcomed by a genuinely respectful and heartfelt round of applause. It's a small, but perfectly formed audience, which suits this curiously intimate show that is half interview, half improvisational comedy (with fellow performer, the host's husband, Allan Lear).
Doubling as the show's producer. Erica Lear is an unashamed huge fan of Slattery, revealing him to be her childhood crush, which amuses the great man himself no end. Lear clearly loves her guest, and never misses an opportunity to gently rib him for his roles in the universally derided 'Carry On Columbus', and a series of uninspired tv commercials for the likes of Abbey Life and Labatts lager. Slattery responds good-naturedly by revealing a Private Eye magazine joke that his old answerphone used to have the recorded message "Hello, it's Tony Slattery. I'll do it". Covering his Cambridge years with fellow students Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Emma Thompson, etc., there is a real sense of personal tragedy at the role call of Oscar winners and beloved National Treasures. Whilst his friends were reaching the heights, the equally talented Slattery hit rock bottom. Yet, he seems to take it all in his stride, and is often near to tears when talking about his old mates. Occasional roles in tv series Kingdom, Coronation Street, and The Royal kept him afloat through recent years, and a 2020 BBC documentary revealed memories of childhood trauma, substance abuse and alcohol dependency. Much of this was covered here, tonight, but carefully handled by Erica Lear, as Slattery's ruthlessly honest self analysis was kept in check.
For the second half, it was all-out entertainment as Slattery and comedy actor Allan Lear played out a series of comic improvisation scenes with the help of a couple of enthusiastic audience volunteers. Off the cuff humour combined with surreal slapstick to produce a thoroughly enjoyable show, with participants and observers often on the verge of hysterics.
On stage, Slattery is a consummate performer, talking candidly about his drink and drug problems, long road back to performing live, and the rigours of falling in love during the terrifying AIDS era, and the stigma of being tested for HIV. With his long-time partner in the audience, sitting just a few feet away from the stage, the atmosphere was electric.
Slattery's pairing with the impressive Allan Lear is inspired, with the two bouncing off each other perfectly. Lear often provided the ignition to an oft times bewildered looking Slattery, who always rose to the occasion as though some long buried memory had been revived - or resuscitated.
A focussed audience were hanging on every word, delighting in each convoluted twist of the narrative. Slattery child-like, seemingly on the verge of derangement.
If you're a Tony Slattery fan, you will love this show. The format is nigh on perfect. If you don't know him from Adam, it makes no difference. This is sheer entertainment, with a poignant, affecting, and inspiring core.
Touring 2024/25
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