My night with Michael McIntyre
Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at 14:15 Looking forward to seeing Michael McIntyre at London's O2 Arena tonight.
Yes, it's a freebie but it's one of the few examples of corporate hospitality where I am going for the performer rather than the opportunity to shake hands and network.
In fact, if other guests insist on talking throughout the show (as they often do in the corporate boxes), I may not be responsible for my actions.
Update: Enjoyed the show but I don't think we saw McIntyre at his best.
It was entertaining, and laughter rolled around the arena, but much of the time I was smiling rather than laughing out loud.
At the end the audience applauded politely for perhaps half a minute. Then, without waiting for an encore, hundreds rose from their seats and headed for the exits.
When he re-appeared McIntyre referred to this as the London factor – people have trains to catch, especially if they live out of town – but it generates a rather anti-climatic climax, if you know what I mean.
Also, a 15,000 arena isn't the best environment to watch stand-up comedy. Like thousands of other people I watched most of the show on the large video screen. I don't think I looked at McIntyre on stage more than once or twice because he was so far away.
According to McIntyre, some people bought their tickets more than a year ago. He's an engaging character so he didn't disappoint, but – and this is just a personal opinion – I suspect the show will be better when edited on DVD.
Reader Comments (2)
take the Swiss approach Simon :)
MM came to Geneva once when he was still up and coming - and I had a drink with him in the VIP area (my radio station organised the event).
Although I think he's a bit too safe - I was impressed as he arrived at the airport that morning, spent time walking around Geneva, and then put a joke in his routine which went: 'I was walking through Geneva today, and while wandering across the Plainpalais (a green space in the middle of town - he wouldn't have known about it before) I dug a small hole and buried a franc coin. Now I can say I have some money hidden away in Switzerland'.
I liked it!