I’m not sure I was ‘Ready for this?’  My exposure to Tim Minchin prior to this tour was limited to ten minute slots on other people’s shows or as a guest panellist on popular quiz shows.  I was therefore quite unprepared for just how brilliantly entertaining his solo live show was going to be.

The small stage was almost entirely taken up by the enormous Steinway but onto it leapt a barefoot Minchin, all trademark wild strawberry blond hair and eyeliner to the theme tune of ‘Ready for this?’ beginning 90 minutes of angry, raw, honest, biting satire, mixed in equal measures with inventive eloquence, endearing tenderness and skillful lyricism.

The barely-contained restraint felt in songs such as ‘Good Book’, ‘Confessions’ and ‘Prejudice’ is off-set by the hilariously-presented yet serious messages within ‘Bears don’t dig on dancing’, ‘Peace Anthem for Palestine’  and ‘Canvas Bags’.  Then there are songs that make no attempt at restraint like ‘Dark Side’ and the fabulously vicious song for Phil Daoust (A Guardian reviewer who gave him 1-star in 2005 so Tim imagines numerous gory things happening to him).  Into this category you can also place the 9-minute beat poem ‘Storm’ (which, although sounds as if it is going to be about as funny as cancer, is actually the highlight of the show) and these deliciously self-aware and wicked songs are off-set by the surprisingly offensive yet romantic ‘If I Didn’t Have You’ and the lip-wobblingly heartfelt and beautiful ‘White Wine in the Sun’ or Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere.

Tim Minchin is gigging all over the UK until the end of December and I definitely recommend you try and catch him. Also, buy some merchandise after the show as, not only is it reasonably priced, but he sells it himself, personally!

Event Date: February 12, 2009
Event Venue: Leicester De Montfort Hall

Tim Minchin is quite simply the best comedy adventure you will ever live through! His quirky songs are his trademark, his piano playing is concert level, his standup tales between the quirky songs are intellectual, informed and occasionally personal. The energy he puts into each and every show is phenomenal and usually culminates in a well-deserved standing ovation. This affable comedy genius is worth so much more than the ticket price he is currently charging - catch him when he tours the UK in September and October this year - you'll regret it if you don't!!  He is going to be BIG!

Event Date: November 23, 2008
Event Venue: West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds

Tim is God ... well obviously not, as he'd have to disbelieve his own existence and that would be awkward to say the least ... no but seriously, he is a truly fantastic songwriter, singer, poet ... one word to at least start to sum him up would be ... intelligent:

incredibly able musically with many instruments, acutely observant, constantly alert to the
apt remark and astute comment, brilliantly
capable, cleverly creative, exceptionally well-read
and imaginative, ingeniously inventive, with a keen penetrating intellect, profound understanding and
sharp, well-informed wisdom.

In summary, an incredibly funny and marvellous man, a genius when it comes to ingeniously inventive and perceptively perspicacious lyrics - meaningful and witty throughout.

The gig in Leeds was amazing - so professionally well put together but presented as an uncertain, ad libbed performance by a nervous amateur - brilliant!

Tim Minchin is quite possibly the best comedian on the planet at this moment in time. His extraordinary musical talent, fantastic humour, and quick witted improvisation will leave you in stitches and talking about him for days.

When his tour came to the Town Hall in Wycombe on 14th November 2008 it was the first time I had seen him live, I had seen his DVD and short clips on ‘Youtube’, but never live on stage. I was hoping that he lived up to my high expectations. Its fair to say that he did with flying colours.

The epic entrance made Tim to look like something out of a horror film with his big hair and strobe lighting and matched with his unique voice and hilarious opening song ‘Are you ready for this?’ made sure that you knew what you were in for. The show was pact with brand new material along with two of his most famous songs: Canvas Bags, the hugely popular anthem; and Darkside, the fantastic song with an incredible piano solo.

While his songs may be offensive to some people, particularly religious people, they are told in such a way that I’m sure even the pope would find himself laughing. He has a range of dark humour and hilarious song, which when mixed with 9minute beat poems of pure genius and spectacular piano solos make the perfect combination.

His response to hecklers was sensational and his audience interaction rounded off the multi-million star performance. I would go and see him time after time. From the opening song to the meet and greet at the end where he signed and sold his merchandise it was an incredible display and was the best £15 I have ever spent in my life.

The funniest guy on a piano! Tim Minchin is such a wonderful entertainer, his jokes are a little below the belt but with such charm and wit about the fella you can't complain. I love inflatable you, his song about his love of blow up dolls. He is always an amazing musician so go check him out!