Frank Skinner’s Credit Crunch Cabaret

So after seeing the Derren Brown show the night before, we were off out again last night to see Frank Skinner’s Credit Crunch cabaret.

Started by Frank in February, these shows are a mix of comedians and musicians performing at the Lyric Theatre in London’s West End. And as the name suggests it’s not going to cost you an arm and a leg (unless you have a drink in the bar!), the tickets cost only £10. Which, for a show in London is pretty damn good! It started off with just 5 shows but then was extended to include another 5 due to its popularity.

Hitting the stage last night were David Baddiel, Steve Williams, Ian Broudie (The Lightning Seeds) and Steve Punt & Hugh Dennis, which was special for two particular reasons.

Firstly, with Baddiel, Punt and Dennis on the same bill it was probably the closest we’ll ever get to having the Mary Whitehouse Experience back. And secondly, with Ian Broudie in attendance there was always the possibility that the audience would get to hear “Three Lions” once again.

However, the best performance of the night came from the relatively unknown Steve Williams. His set was the strongest of the three comedians (Baddiel reading stories Larry Davis style and Punt & Dennis doing material similar to their Now Show radio series), he had the audience in stitches and deservedly got the biggest round of applause of the night.

Until the inevitable happened and the show was closed with an accoustic version of Three Lions and the usual audience participation. It’s amazing how a football song can still evoke emotion 13 years after it’s release.

Overall it was a great night and I hope that more dates are released, because for a tenner you can’t go wrong. Just don’t have a drink in the bar!