Stand Up and Rock 2015St Georges Hall Bradford

June 3rd 2015

Running time 3 hrs

Producer Jasper Carrott

Reviewer Keith Christie

Right from the opening bars of the opening song, a packed audience seemed to know they were in for an evening of music, laughter and happiness. Three hours later no-one was disappointed- This is a sensational show.

‘The Carrott’ is right at the top of his game and is hilarious throughout. The hilarity is, in my view, achieved by intelligent writing, expertly presented and without having to reply on an endless stream of expletives. The comedy content ranges from a topical FIFA routine to classic Carrott comedy at the guitar.

The show seems loosely based on the well-tried and very successful Rock with Laughter show format, the rock being supplied by The Bev Bevan Band. A band needs to be built on solid foundations and this band are rock solid. How nice to hear and see live music for a change, as opposed to music produced at the touch of a button. Amongst those providing the show was guitar wizard Trevor Burton and Quill singer Joy Strachan Brain, plus the voice of Rockin’ Berries star Geoff Turton.

There has obviously been a lot of thought put into the production of this show, who also includes the intelligent use of two video screens, revealing details of Bevan’s illustrious musical past as a member of ELO and The Move, amongst others.

The stand-up part of the show, in the hands of Jasper Carrott, is on-stage for most of the entire show and in my view he is one of the best writer-comedians this country has ever produced.

If Stand-Up and Rock visits a venue near you, go and see it. In fact, go and see it even if it is isn’t anywhere near you. It is worth the journey. This is a value for money, high energy, feel-good show