Lee Evans @ The O2 Arena

I've seen many things at different arenas over the past few years, and enjoyed them all thoroughly. However, I have always been sceptical of comedy in them. I've seen countless comedians in small venues, and loved the atmosphere that resides in those places. There is an intimacy between the comedian and their audience, which makes you feel comfortable and adds to the enjoyment. That was always going to be impossible to emulate in a 20,000 seat arena. However, comedy shows in arenas are hugely popular now, so I have always been intrigued.

On Saturday 4th October, I went to the O2 Arena, with the other half and friends, to see Lee Evans. These are tickets I had to buy 18 months in advance, in the hope that one of us didn't die, fall out, emigrate, or more likely, be busy on the day. It's quite a commitment to make, and a price to pay. I'm used to paying £10 to see comedians in a 300 seat theatre, brought a few months in advance. This is a different experience.

However, it was a great evening. He was gloriously funny, with a sweaty glint on his forehead. We laughed throughout, and all ended the evening with sore throats and aching bellies. The couple in front of us commented on how hard and loud my other half was laughing; luckily, she described it as 'infectious' rather than 'irritating'.

It was Lee Evans as you would expect. Lots of physical comedy accompanied by sound effects, and many fantastic observations about the many aspects of life, which had the audience laughing and cheering. If you like his previous stuff, then this is more of the same. And to think he did two and a half hours of stand up, and it was almost all new material, that is just as good as anything else he's done before, is quite impressive.

The interesting thing will be watching the DVD, as he almost self-edited it while he was performing. Jokes about Peter Andre and Katie Price he admitted crossed a line, but my favourite joke of the night was about Rolf Harris. He isn't a comedian who tends to do anything topical, but he can do it brilliantly; even if he cuts the evidence out of his DVD.

Despite completely enjoyed it (and don't get me wrong, I don't regret going in the slightest), my fears were met and I ended up watching the majority of it on the big screens, instead of actually looking at him on stage. It makes you ponder the purpose of being there, as opposed to just buying the DVD a few months later. But the atmosphere was brilliant, and it was heart warming to watch him on stage, receiving the huge round of applause, and still seeing him so humble. And at the end, he seemed to be genuinely grateful.

Of course, he ended on a self-penned song like he has on his last few tours. They're not funny, but again an example of how sincere he is, and always tend to be a beautiful song for his wife. He also performed his visualisation of the lyrics to Bohemian Rhapsody, which is perhaps one of the things he is most famous for now. It is a great example of his ability to do physical comedy brilliantly, much like Norman Wisdom (Not an original observation, but still one I agree with).

Overall, it was a brilliant experience, and Lee Evans is perhaps one of the best comedians around, in terms of his dedication, talent, and just general personality. He is much loved, and I cannot wait to get the DVD to watch again.

I never for one second doubted it would not be the case, as just over a year ago, we saw him live in the West End performing in the play Barking in Essex, in which he was an absolute joy to watch.

However, whether I would go to an arena again to watch a comedian, I'm more doubtful of. I stick to my belief of comedy being better in a theatre.

P.S. Below is a video of Lee Evan performing Bohemian Rhapsody. Enjoy.