Review by Marissa Burgess

Rudi Lickwood complains that some reviewers have criticised him for talking about race too much. But as a fortysomething black man why shouldn’t he? As he quite rightly points out, middle-class people talk about being middle-class, and Lickwood has some pertinent points to make.

Sadly, prejudice is still prevalent today. Lickwood notes that there are few black role models and says the achievements of black people in history are routinely sidelined. Why do we learn about Florence Nightingale and not black nurse Mary Seacole? He says people make assumptions about him because of the colour of his skin, such as mistaking him for ‘the staff’ or following him in a store, presuming him a thief. Elsewhere he questions black youths’ use of the N-word. It all sounds heavy stuff but Lickwood’s years of experience on the circuit mean he can turn each point into a slick gag.

The only quibble here is that he would benefit from a more streamlined show, one that doesn’t divert off-topic as much. Towards the end he includes a routine about pregnancy and relationships that is more club set than Fringe show. But he brings it back around at the end for a thought-provoking point about our gloriously multi-cultural country.

Review date: 30 Aug 2009
Reviewed by: Marissa Burgess