Justin Moorhouse, Darlington Arts Centre
It was like buses…not one for a while then two together…
First I was here for American song smith Dean Friedman and now for Manc jokester Justin Moorhouse. Both shows being within weeks of each other at this smart, modernised Victorian building in a lovely part of town.
As he walked on stage, he beat most people to it by uttering the phrase many people use “Who the heck is Justin Moorhouse?” (or words to that effect)
And considering he’s a supposedly unknown, the full house didn’t reflect that notion.
He said from the offset he didn’t tell lies, which he proved when promising the second half was better than the first – which was hilarious.
His attire certainly reflected his style and delivery too. Relaxed in trainers, jeans and a shirt.
Not only did he manage to have the place bouncing, there was even audience participation halfway through.
I’m not a fan of the Southern, suited and booted brigade that are plentiful on the comedy circuit; so this fella ticked plenty of boxes.
He doesn’t stand too close to the razor, told stories we all related too and has the same issues with his kids as I. We even have the same taste in dogs.
And he’s Northern.
While this was his penultimate gig on this tour, I’m definitely going to encourage friends and family to get to his show at Stockton’s ARC in December.
I booked my tickets this morning.
About Craig Marsden
Having blogged a number of times in recent years, I suppose I must be something of a veteran. From musicals to museums, stand-up to Salsa, Ive certainly covered the region in the name of art and culture (Oh dear did I really say that?)
Ive been married to Tricia for 20 years and been a big Middlesbrough FC fan for even longer (Its the pies)
I have two children, Alex 13 and Becky 17. (OK then offspring as "children" is pushing it a bit) Ive lived in the Stockton-on-Tees area for the majority of my (nearly) 50 years except for a time in the late 60's when we upped sticks (our furniture was in a poor condition back then) and moved to South Africa with my dads job.
A housing officer for 16 years with a local housing company - a job I thoroughly enjoyed thanks to the variety of issues such a position entails and I've been an active Freemason (funny handshake n all) for nearly 20 years. Being an avid reader (non-fiction) life is certainly busy when it also includes a lively Golden Retriever called Oscar, being largely involved with my sons football team - Stockton Rangers - and writer for the 'Boro fanzine - Fly Me To The Moon -the worlds longest running apparently.
I enjoy all types of music genres from Gilbert O'Sullivan to The Undertones, Squeeze to The Beatles, Peter Skellern to Aztec Camera. And while I wasnt a great lover of English Literature at school (ok then, i'll admit i hated it) I have done a total u-turn, attending poetry slams and readings from poets as diverse as Roger McGough, John Hegley and Pam Ayres (dont scoff - shes been around the world and has never worn a pair of overalls)
My favourites films include The Life of Brian, Its a Wonderful Life and Who Will Love My Children (yes, I do cry like a baby but who doesn't?)
Im a huge Lee Mack and Arthur Smith fan, while my favourite TV shows are Early Doors and The Wonder Years (how cute was Winnie?)
I hope you enjoy reading my blogs - if you do tell your friends, if you dont, shut up! No, really, please feel free to add a comment - good or bad (not too bad though. My artistic bent is far too fragile and insecure to handle negative critisism)
Enjoy....
Up The Boro!
