Stephen K Amos: Now We're Talking! Review - A Convivial Night of Laughter and Nostalgia
Veteran standup comedian Stephen K Amos brings his touring show Now We're Talking! to London's Leicester Square Theatre, offering audiences a warm and engaging evening of comedy that blends scientific curiosity with personal nostalgia. The performance runs for seventy-five minutes, maintaining a steady flow of laughter through a mix of reflective humour and relatable observations.
Deconstructing the Science of Laughter
Amos opens the show with a playful exploration of laughter itself, repeatedly reminding the audience that we're here to laugh and celebrating when we do. He delves into quirky routines that question whether animals laugh and examines the neurological effects of laughter on the human brain, referencing the amygdala and endorphins. One particularly droll segment cleverly maps the connections between laughter, orgasms, and sneezes, highlighting their surprising similarities.
This focus on the mechanics of humour demonstrates Amos's confidence in his material, ensuring that the comedy remains consistently entertaining throughout. While the approach may not be groundbreaking, it sets a convivial tone that invites audience participation and shared enjoyment.
Scrolling Back to Youth and the 1970s
The show then transitions to a nostalgic journey through Amos's childhood as the son of Nigerian immigrants in Britain. He vividly recounts navigating casual racism, strict parental discipline, and a simpler era of television with only three channels and a night-time curfew. Through humorous anecdotes, he contrasts this with today's world, where social media amplifies every opinion, often to absurd effect.
Amos is careful to avoid outright nostalgia, protesting that I'm not saying it was better in the old days, but his stories implicitly highlight the quirks and challenges of that time. His descriptions of home economics classes and unglamorous rubber-hose shower attachments bring the 1970s pungently back to life, creating a rich tapestry of memory that resonates with many in the audience.
Relatable Observations and Classic Comedy
The show thrives on orthodox opinions and relatable observations about modern life, including changing social norms and the perceived dumbing-down of culture. Amos ventures into familiar standup territory but enlivens it with his charismatic delivery and timing. A highlight is his routine about an African newcomer encountering a British meat raffle, which relies on funny-accent humour but proves hard to resist due to its charm and wit.
Another segment tackles the Dunning-Kruger effect, where the ignorant overestimate their intelligence, adding a twisty, intellectual layer to the comedy. While the show may not offer groundbreaking intimacy or novel insights, its strength lies in its consensual good fun and Amos's ability to connect with the audience through shared experiences and laughter.
Conclusion: A Case Study in Comedy
Given Amos's newfound interest in the science of laughter, Now We're Talking! serves as an effective case study in how humour works, blending theory with practice in an entertaining package. The show continues to tour, with upcoming dates including The Trades Club in Hebden Bridge on February 5th, promising more nights of convivial enjoyment for comedy fans across the UK.
