'Stretch and Think' about heading out to watch Justin's hilarious new show soon

REVIEW by Simon Smedley

It can't be easy to carve out a successful career as a stand-up comedian.

For me, just thinking about how guys and girls I've previously seen perform like Lee Evans, Peter Kay, Rik Mayall and Sarah Millican possibly remember all of their two-hour sets fills me with dread.

But I have a flair for making football stories sounds interesting with my writing, and now, I've seen the latest comedian who had me roaring and chuckling from the second he hit the stage to the second he stepped off it.

That guy? It's our local (Ashton born) treasure Justin Moorhouse, who almost brought the Oldham Coliseum's iconic old house down on Saturday night.

It was the first night of his extensive new tour entitled 'Stretch and Think' (named after something to do with his daughter's yoga class!) and if this opener is anything to go by, it's going to be memorable, and hilariously funny.

As things transpire, Tracey and I had our doubts as to whether Justin's show on Saturday would actually go ahead at all, given the circumstances and the sad death of the Queen just 48 hours earlier.

Thankfully, it seems there was never much danger of pulling the night, and after a swift, polite applause to remember her Maj, well, I can't repeat the response to the prospect of a minute's silence taking place - we were off and running!

The near packed-out audience were creased over at topical tales of Justin's off-stage family goings-on, while some of the off-the-cuff, impromptu, improvised one-liners and even one-worders were a real joy.

The 'Boom Boom' response when someone laughed out loud like Basil Brush was a particular highlight, as was the disappearing wheelchair lady exchange and discussion about a certain well-known personality's sausage fingers.

There was so much more of course, so I'd recommend anyone to go and check him out as you're in for a proper 'cheer-me-up' kind of evening. Just do it.

He's a clever guy, this Justin Moorhouse, and his delivery and timing is spot on - no wonder he's in such demand on the comedy circuit and on tv and radio.

His show is current and relevant, and for a small guy he got a big personality which flies you hilariously through a cracking couple of hours.

Finally, a nod to Justin's support on the night - Leeds-based Scot Jim Burke.

A 58-year-old just starting out on the circuit, he was well recieved as he breezed through a comical short set just before the interval.

To book your tickets for Justin's 'Stretch and Think' tour, click here

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