Bill Hicks: A slight return.

[blockers]

Good morning.

Last night i went to see this play - Bill Hicks: A slight return. Basically Bill Hicks (the controversial comedian, who died before he came famous) has come back to do another show. It is NOT about his life, it is a stand-up show.

This is excellently acted by Chas Early, who although not too facially similar to Bill has got this mannerisms, and speech pitch perfect. He does a traditional Bill Hicks show but about modern day politics and world order (which is surprisingly similar to before Bill died in 1994.) Cracking jokes about guns in school, drugs, bush and blair, war, and controversially 911 and Princess Diana, as well as the usual Bill Hicks Goat Boy act (which is executed perfectly.) You could almost swear it was Bill up there.

Jokes that Chas/script writers had thought up about things since 1994 were very good, with an accurate Bill Hicks style black humour. A few of Bill's original jokes are used, which less got laughs - understandable as it is hard to pretend to be exactly the master, but this is generally avoided throughout the show.

The theme throughout the play is that the world clearly cant survive without him and frustration that people did not listen to him before he died. i.e voting in another another George Bush. And ends with one of Bill Hick's general rants about how controversial, and stupid the world is.

If you get a chance to go and see it go, it is very well done, and an honour to Bill Hick's memory and beliefs. Although i would suggest avoiding taking children or ladies (the lady infront of us didnt look too happy we were cracking up about Princess Diana) unless they are already familiar with Bill Hicks style of comedy.

I wish i had recorded it on my phone (even though illegally) it is an excellent show!

Although the play is near the end of touring it is at the Edinburgh festival for most of August: http://www.hurst.dsl.pipex.com/bill/

Thanks
Will.

[Andy]

Love Bill Hicks, the guy was just sheer Genius!

[Lee @ SCAN]

Originally Posted by Andy

Love Bill Hicks, the guy was just sheer Genius!

Yeap - I've only just seen some of his material and cry laughing everytime

Might have to check the Nov 11th date in Manchester out

[Andy]

They have just re-released the book of all of his scripts etc as well!

[[GSV]Trig]

Noooo, it was on in Loughborough a few weeks back, damn you why could you not have posted this before I missed it

[G4Z]

wow, looks very interesting as Im a big Bill Hicks fan, he was a true genius.

I might look into traveling to one of those dates, cheers for the link and "quick capsule review"