DVD review by Steve Bennett

Kevin Bridges has an idea for a chat show... He’ll invite all the showbiz greats to appear, spout their inane self-obsessed stories, then dismiss them with a bored ‘Did ye? Aye?’

For although Bridges has climbed to the upper echelons of stand-up (and yes, at an early age - it’s obligatory to mention that) he has remained true to his working-class Glaswegian roots. It’s a joke so preposterous that he might ever get so touched by fame that he’d insist on being addressed as kev.i.n.

Such authenticity is key to his comedy; we believe his pals are as resolutely unemployed as he says, that he still gets into weird conversations as he travels on the bus, and that his driving ethos is ‘sod it, it’ll be a laugh’. Some comics joke derisively at the ned culture... but Bridges celebrates it, while merrily taking the mick, since viciously mocking your mates is all part of that life.

This is a DVD that has to be recorded in Glasgow; not only because Bridges is among his biggest fans (as the 1,000 who turned up to his DVD signing this weekend will attest) but it also gives a stamp of approval to affirm that what he’s saying is the truth.

It’s a short show, and the disc boasts as few frills as Bridges’s own comedy. You could call it workmanlike, as his material is certainly not groundbreaking in its depiction of Glaswegian life, and the delivery and style are unashamedly traditional. Bridges has mastered storytelling technique and timing to wring the most out of every line of his anecdotes. Sometimes they need the help, but there are also some fine, distinctive turns of phrase that are plenty funny on their own terms.

But behind the polished facade, there’s grittiness and cheekiness; he’s a rough diamond who’s been given a fine polish, but not yet knocked smooth. And hopefully never will be.

There’s also a special guest at the end of this show. We won’t spoil the surprise, but it’s proof that some of Bridges routines are being pushed towards classic status. There are some moments in this DVD that might go that way, too, as Bridges asserts himself as an increasingly assured stand-up.

Published: 13 Nov 2012