What do you get when you cross a Norwegian comedian with dozens of hi-vis vests?
This question in itself sounds like the beginning of a joke, but it can only ever possibly lead you to one answer: Viggo Venn.
Fresh from his Britain’s Got Talent victory earlier this year, Venn switched the Hammersmith Apollo stage for Sheffield’s Leadmill on Tuesday night – the latest stop on his UK-wide tour.
It was a high-energy show which brought together a collection of new and old material in a triumphant masterclass of physical and improvisational comedy.
Complete with his trademark wild-haired look, the 34-year-old began in typical fashion: bounding on to the stage to Daft Punk’s ‘One More Time’ and ripping off hi-vis vests one after another like a construction worker gone rogue.
Other skits from his Britain’s Got Talent performances returned, including him donning a giant human balloon, and hilariously mimicking how audience members said their names to the accompaniment of Eminem’s ‘My Name Is.’ I have to admit, his Sheffield accent was on point.
There was lots more as well: from a mocked-up wedding between two random audience members, to a reenactment of a chicken crossing a road, and… yes, still plenty more of hyping up the crowd to ‘One More Time’ (he surely must have single-handedly contributed to most of Daft Punk’s royalties this year).
The skits, in principle, are simple yet effective, a credit not just to his artistic abilities but also his capacity to bring out the best in his crowd.
One of the only things that detracted from the show was the bizarre interludes by Venn’s supporting act Steffen Hånes (performing as ‘Dracula’). With no punchlines and a role that primarily consisted of running around in the dark with his cloak flailing behind him, it felt more reminiscent of a GCSE drama performance than a live comedy show.
The lively Sheffield audience almost salvaged these awkward segments by shouting out impromptu quips. However, instead of utilising these for comedic effect, Hånes instead dismissed them and consequently failed to win over the audience – something which, in stark contrast, Venn achieved effortlessly.
Venn’s niche shtick is likely to eventually wear thin, but I would happily return to watch him and his antics again. Comedy is about bringing people together in laughter and away from the stresses of the outside world. He certainly succeeded in doing that.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Viggo Venn’s UK tour is running until July 2024.
