The gig was originally scheduled for the OVO Hydro but was shifted to the smaller venue because he didn't sell enough tickets. The venue switch caused me some consternation as, until one week beforehand, the Ticketmaster app still had my tickets listed for the original venue . When I raised the issue with them, they told me not to worry, they would sort it. Then the account showed the tickets as cancelled. Another query led to the suggestion I buy two more tickets while I waited for my refund. I kicked off again arguing why should I? This time they said (and I paraphrase), "Be patient. You're sorted. Sorry for any inconvenience."
Louis CK had two support acts tonight: Britain's Got Talent runner up, Robert White and American Adrienne Iapalucci. The former did lots of jokes about his autism and being gay and was funny in an awkward, edgy way; the latter was dry and dark and had material reminiscent of Louis (even repeating a subject Louis used on a previous tour) - her soporific tone left me sleepy rather than engaged.
When Louis took to the stage something seemed off:
Maybe I was overtired: a mother in hospital, a lack of sleep and being out the night before;
Maybe it was the temperature of the venue, cosy warm from so many bodies in an enclosed space;
Maybe it was the crowd, loud and boorish and intent on downing lots of alcohol, even nipping out often during the performance;
Maybe it was the sound, muffled by the overhang from the tier above (allocated seats a few rows from the back of the stalls);
Maybe it was because I'd been so impressed by Maisie Adam the night before, the adrenaline heightened by being so close to the stage and her performance;
Maybe it was because of the nutter who confronted Louis during his Bible material and had to be escorted from the auditorium, still clutching his pint;
Or maybe it was Louis himself, schlubbing his schtick without too much enthusiasm. He jumped from one coarse idea to another without much interest, the comedy only mined to a shallow extent. It didn't feel like vintage Louis, though he did make me laugh occasionally. He didn't return for an encore.
It's just as well there was no recording allowed because if word got out how weak his performance was it would dent his career worse than being cancelled.
It was a poor show.
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