Octagon Theatre, Bolton
AUTHOR Bill Bryson has a deservedly huge number of readers and his most famous book, same title as this show, has sold almost a million copies and spent three years in the Sunday Times list of best sellers.
His observational humour at the eccentricities of British life, hilariously funny though it may be, is never patronising.
His words have been metamorphosised into this delightful and side-splittingly funny one-man show by actor Steve Steen.
On the music hall stage there used to be an act billed as 'the man of many faces' and Steve has them all and then some.
His command of accents is staggering and his ability to switch between them at the speed of light helps keeps the pace moving throughout the show.
His face and body language is brilliant, Steve peoples the stage with dozens of characters. However the second half contains a song which brings the show to a dead halt, and should be reconsidered.
The lighting on the show by David Blake deserves special mention as it is superb and sets the atmosphere without being intrusive. Music and sound are well chosen but, as usual with the Octagon, is too loud. The show is a delight.
BRENDA KEAN
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