Stephen K. Amos review

Jan 26 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

ANYONE wishing to postpone the start of the working week may well have wished they were at Perth Concert Hall on Sunday to see stand-up star Stephen K Amos.

Bursting onto the Fair City stage to the sound of Beyonce Knowles’ chart hit “Single Ladies”, the Mock the Week comic’s exaggerated dance moves had the capacity crowd in fits before he uttered a word.

Part of a 75-date nationwide “Feelgood Factor” tour, the Edinburgh Festival regular told the PA he hoped his nostalgia-filled tales would “banish the doom and gloom that’s often around at this time of year.”

Cosy yarns centred around his London up-bringing and Nigerian heritage mixed well with more political material discussing the rise of US President Barack Obama and other black role models in society.

But it was his audience interaction that stole the show.

Those in the front rows were cowering as the suited-and-booted Amos had the house lights turned-up and leapt from the stage.

Off-the-cuff chat with two local teenagers – one of whom had brought both his mother and girlfriend along – teed-up the evening nicely.

And one superfan even bought the star-turn a pint when he confessed he was thirsty.

Clearly at home as the centre of attention, Amos’ mix of perceptiveness and arrogance is the result of 15 years’ experience in the game.

Those more used to seeing him on comedy panel shows, such as Channel Four’s 8 Out of 10 Cats, will perhaps have been surprised at how loud and brash the one-time law student can be.

He admits operating alongside his peers on the small screen can be “like a bear pit at times” as they all strive for a spell in the spotlight.

But, given the platform to showcase his skills, it’s no surprise he’s been given his own soon-to-be-aired show by the BBC.

The people of Perth will no doubt be glad of the opportunity to see such an entertaining preview.