Verbal Diary: A must for British Comedy Fans

40 years on Actor and Comedian Tom Johnson was given free hand to rewrite and revive the show in his own way. Very much keeping the spirit of anarchic and surreal comedy alive in his writing, the show grabs you by the collar and brings you along for the ride.

The Touring Company's impressive set stood towering over the audience as we waited for the show to start. From the moment the lights dimmed, and the lead actor burst forth from behind a life size Diary, a palpable energy filled the theatre, promising a dynamic performance.

The musicians (Scutty Lee and Charlie Skelton) positioned at the side of the stage, proved to be a delightful and integral part of the experience. Acting almost as a Greek chorus, or a musical Statler and Waldorf, they offered an entertaining counterpoint to the lead, while beautifully bringing Otway's (and some of Johnson's) score to life. The fiddle added a layer of tenderness and emotion, perfectly complemented by the rocky guitar playing of a musician reminiscent of a certain Dr Feelgood guitarist.

While the supporting cast seemed to grapple with some opening night jitters initially, they quickly coalesced into a cohesive unit, delivering well-written and touching dialogue with professional polish. The idiosyncratic folky songs were a definite highlight, leaving me humming them long after the final curtain.

James Little shines as Tristram, the supercilious and failing spoken word artist. He embodies the character with a natural naivety and insecurity, perfectly capturing the essence of a gap year student searching for purpose.

Georgie Harriet-King's portrayal of Cheryl is equally compelling. She thoughtfully presents her as a warm, intelligent, and strong-willed medical student. Cheryl's sharp tongue and ambitious nature, combined with her almost motherly tolerance of her immature flat mates, make her a truly engaging character.

Alex J Carter takes on the dual roles of Phil, the dodgy flat mate, and Eric, the psychotic local newspaper boss. While Carter effectively differentiates the two characters, his performance as Eric occasionally veered into being overly theatrical.

The true anchor of the show, however, is Tom Johnson as Gordon, the socially inept photojournalist. Johnson's vibrant portrayal of the underdog is exceptional. He inhabits the character with the ease of a seasoned comic actor, making Gordon's struggles to fit in, advance in his career, and win the affections of the seemingly unattainable girl, incredibly relatable and engaging. Johnson's performance alone is worth the price of admission.

I was also impressed with how the show feels very much in tune with modern audiences despite its roots in the 1980s. It captures the essence of what makes good comedy timeless. Johnson's connection with Otway really shines in this collaboration, and it's clear they've poured their hearts into his revival.

Overall, this production at The Mission Theatre was a promising and entertaining experience. While a few minor adjustments could elevate the performance of certain characters, the strong writing, talented musicians, and the energetic performances of the cast really make this show a hidden gem. With so much heart, absurdity and energy that makes British Comedy unique, Verbal Diary is like Hancock meets Bottom, with a just a dash of Python, and a smattering of Withnail and I. A must for British Comedy Fans.

Verbal Diary is on Tour until July 19th. Tickets and Information available at www.verbaldiaryshow.co.uk