Noel Fielding has been playing secret gigs recently. Our contributor Mog managed to catch him in the act this weekend. This is her review of Noel Fielding’s secret gig, 21st February 2010.
That likeable stage presence in action!
Finally. The detective work had paid off, so I packed away the deerstalker and headed off to WC1 for the latest secret Fielding gig.
A half-empty tiny room in the basement of an Australian theme pub isn’t the most auspicious venue for a comedian that’s more used to selling out several dates at the O2 (a fact that wasn’t lost on him), but the audience were warm and friendly, the beer was cold and cheap, and it provided the ideal setting for Noel to try out some new material and build on his core set. No squeeing. No old skool jury sitting in judgement. Perfect.
It was classic Fielding in action: fantastical, weird and silly meandering stories that took in flamingos, Poirot, jellyfish, Marilyn Manson making him packed lunches and more, delightfully underpinned with his unique on stage charm. For me, it’s this which sets him apart from other comedians. Other stand-ups may be better at remembering their jokes, they may be more prolific writers of new material, they may have gags that have actual endings, but none of them can touch Noel’s likeability on stage. It’s hard to put a finger on exactly what it is (his humility? his childlike energy and joy? his obvious affection for and appreciation of the audience? the panda jumper?), but whatever it is works wonders, wonderfully. By the end I felt like I’d had a warm cuddle, a tickle and a twirl around the room from ten of the best dreams I’ve ever had. If that makes sense.
I’ve seen Noel’s stand up a few times but last night was the first time I’ve seen him on my own, and it’s interesting what you notice when you’re not assimilating other people’s opinions. What I noticed at last night’s gig is how his stories grow and ripen with each telling. His jokes evolve from one gig to the next, primarily due to new ideas that pop into his head as he’s telling them. In fact you can spot when he discovers a new angle on an existing gag from the look of joy on his face, and it happens quite regularly. Each time he recounts a joke he creates new diversions, new connections, more layers. It gets better and better. Like a painting, constantly changing and thickening with new paint strokes, and slowly becoming a different painting over time. It’s this that makes for repeated viewings. By contrast his newer material, while fresher, currently feels less rich. But with a few more tellings, I suspect the gloriously whimsical cul-de-sacs and overlays upon overlays will be there.
In summary then, not a bad night out for a fiver: 8 comedians including Noel and the rather marvellous ‘Fielding in waiting’, Joey Page. Today I have a smile on my face.
Catch him if you can.
That is a fantastic review and what a treat for a fiver! It’s great that his material is expanding and that flamingos and Marilyn Manson are becoming part of his comic landscape! He has got lots of ideas hidden in the crevices of his brain and he is letting them seep through the cracks now and bringing them out into the open and onto the stage! We love Noel because he does something that is a bit different and he does not need to fear that we will not welcome new material. Cos we will! Well done on your excellent detective work Sherlock!
Thank you again for your review. You did a great job setting the scene and your description of the stories (especially the Marilyn Manson one) really makes me want to see him in person!
What a gorgeous review! You really captured the essence of Noel’s joyous, mercurial stand-up with this. Thank you!!!
Sounds like a fantastic experience. I’ve never seen Noel do stand up, but I hope to eventually!
Thanks for the review, I felt like I was almost there.
Thank you soo much for this review! It made me feel like I was there! I’ve been waiting to hear something, anything from some lucky souls who happened to catch one of Noel’s secret shows. This is brilliant. x
Just chiming in to say what a wonderfully written review this is! For those of us who couldn’t be there, things like this are the next best thing. Noel definitely has something special as a performer and you’ve captured that beautifully. Would love to see more from you on here!
Anyway, so glad you were able to catch this…and thanks for sharing it with us!
Excellent review!! You have a wonderful way with words. And as others have said, I feel like I was there. I can only wish to have the chance to see him in such a setting myself. Cheers :]
Thanks very much for the positive comments; glad you like the review! x
Wow! Thanks so much! Great review. I think it’s interesting that he has “The Man on the Moon” as his Twitter wallpaper. Andy Kaufman also questioned the form of stand up and like a good artist, tore it apart and put it back together his way.
I can understand Noel wanting to be away from a regular Boosh audience. It’s much more challenging to face a crowd who does NOT have your picture on their bedroom wall and is squeeling at you. He’s getting a more honest response. He also cannot resist being on stage.
Well, glad that you got to see him! You deserve it for being able to write such a wonderful review.
Thank you! You’re right about him seeking out an honest response – he’s trying to work out what’s funny and what isn’t, so it makes sense to avoid audiences that will shriek with laughter at everything.