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REVIEW: Dave Gorman - Powerpoint to the People





As fans of the comedian, presenter and now professional cryptic crossword compiler know, Dave Gorman is a player of the long game.

From pranks to ongoing research and especially during his shows, one of his hallmarks is callbacks to ideas and suggestions that you've probably forgotten in the passing which were raised earlier.

This he does with gleeful delight, catching the almost capacity audience at the Music Hall in Aberdeen off guard.

Covering a plethora of topics his show looks at such diverse topics as embarrassing self-injury, what became lock-down obsessions and which in his case drew him into teaching phonics to his primary school age son, and his mothers love for Elon Musk.

This in turn lead to the ‘found poem’ performance which is taken from internet comments that fans of his TV show Modern Life Is Goodish will recognise and his mother’s misunderstanding of what a Sliding Doors moment which brought the biggest laugh of the evening and genuine tears of laughter to Gorman’s face as he tried to compose himself again.

His forensic mind is always seeking ways to output and we are treated to an investigation of Salt 'n' Shake crisps and a wonderfully illustrated and rigorously researched piece on the "DIY ready salted snack" that may just alter their sales nationally as the tour continues.

One of the larger segments looks at the Holywood walk of Fame, not what one would normally consider as comedy topic per-se but using Tom Hanks photo-bombing a wedding in Central Park we are lead down the garden path of links and connections that meanders wonderfully to wondering why Harrison Ford bothered and the "drug dealer model" comparison of its modern operation.

We also find out about Dave's online nemesis, a cryptic crossword reviewer whose brings out the "bad boy" in the host, as he reveals through his now second job which started in lockdown as a compiler of cryptic crosswords for the broadsheets.

Writing as Bluth, Django or Fed pen names his occasional lavatorial or biological references rile one particular reviewer called Jane, and things escalate in a fashion that only Gorman is capable of pulling off (much to the delight of the audience).

And that long game is, as ever the core of slow-burning prank which is still ongoing and about which we are all sworn to secrecy lest we spoil the ruse.

It's not a punchline gag and while the stakes are low, it is running with genuine love and affection for the people and places involved.

Overall this is a fine visit from Gorman, showcasing his distinctive comedy and where thoughtful analysis can lead you down some unusual rabbit holes.


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