Review: Julian Clary @ Mechanics, Burnley (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Review: Julian Clary @ Mechanics, Burnley

6:13pm Friday 12th March 2010

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THE self-proclaimed Lord of the Mince brought his own particular brand of whimsy to the Mechanics.

Resplendent in the first half of the show in flame orange silk suit studded with diamante he cut an imposing, if slightly unusual figure.

Clary is on tour to celebrate his 50th birthday - and he’s clearly set out to have some fun along the way.

A packed main hall revelled in his every innuendo, scurrilous titbits of gossip and veiled insults.

Clary has come a long way as a performer from his early days as a totally outrageous and slightly wild comedian who clearly thought outrage was the only way to conquer an audience.

The more mature performer clearly relishes the opportunity to shock, but it’s all done with a wry grin and a knowing wink.

Certainly the modern breed of brash stand-ups are far more offensive – and nowhere near as funny. Behind the glittery eye make-up and campery there’s a very sharp intellect at work.

Clary is at his best when interracting with the audience.

At the Mechanics the unfortunate Andrew the policeman became the perfect foil for Clary to ad lib to his heart’s content.

In a show lasting almost two hours, Clary brought a collective smile to 400 faces. No doubt he went home a happy man.