Sean Hughes: Life Becomes Noises

• Marissa Burgess
• 11 August 2012

This article is from 2012.

Comedy show that shifts seamlessly between pathos and gags

It’s been noted in previous years that there are a lot of dad-dying shows about. But it’s one of those big life events, so why wouldn’t you write a show about it? Sean Hughes’ father died of cancer last year, but what this show certainly isn’t is some kind of introspective therapy session. While remaining a fitting tribute to the relationship he had with his father, Hughes swiftly and seamlessly alternates between pathos and gags. One minute he’s criticising the availability of cancer drugs, the next he’s making a suggestion to jolly up the signing of the death certificate with a big yellow pencil.

As he recounts growing up in a working-class family in Dublin, he’ll be wearing silly trousers and introducing a plethora of cuddly puppets. There’s even a bit of Snow Patrol in case you thought he wasn’t taking it seriously enough. Somehow it all blends together in a show that is as knockabout as it is emotional, which pretty much sums up life too.

Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 27 Aug, 5.30pm, £13–£14 (£11.50–£13).