REVIEW: Gary Lamont Dropping The Soap – Eastwood Park Theatre, Giffnock
It’s hard not to love Gary Lamont. From the moment he walks onto the stage with a giant wedge of cheese on his head – yes, no typo, singing This is my Moment in tribute to his spirit animal Martine McCutcheon, there isn’t a minute he doesn’t have the audience eating out of his hand.
Hugely likeable and hugely talented, Lamont takes the audience on a break-neck journey on life after soap (operas), musing on the somewhat rocky path many much-loved actors have trodden since stepping away from small screen fame. Roping in his showbiz pals, there are mascara ruining sequences with Claire from Steps, Claire from Stepps, Graham Norton, Juliet Cadzow (his mum in the soap River City), Martine McCutcheon and a belly-achingly funny duet of I Know Him So Well with best buddy Michelle McManus. There’s no lull for the entire running time – a feat many so-called comedians would be hard pressed to achieve, this is a show that genuinely has you leaving the theatre, feeling the world is a happier place.
As he says in the show, in Soapland you either leave in a hearse or in the back of a taxi – Lamont left in a silver limo – hopefully a portent for his future career. Lamont has a gigantic gift for comedy, a fine voice and an irresistible personality – Lamont’s brand of joy should be available on prescription. Do yourself a favour and catch this if you can.
On Tour:
Sat 24 Mar – Cumbernauld Theatre – 7.30pm www.cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk
Fri 27 Apr – Stirling MacRobert 7.30pm www.macrobertartscentre.org/
Sat 28 Apr – Paisley Arts Centre – 7.30pm www.boxoffice.renfrewshire.gov.uk
Fri 04 May – Adam Smith Theatre – 7.30pm www.onfife.com
Fri 11 May – Lochgelly Centre – 7.30pm www.onfife.com
Fri 25 May – Livingston Howden Park 7.30pm www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk
Sat 26 May – Byre Theatre St Andrews – 8pm www.byretheatre.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/G_aryLamont
Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatariddy