If you want unapologetically outrageous storytelling from a Queen of Comedy, The One like Judi Love is the show for you.
Sometimes mischievous, sometimes risqué but always undeniably hilarious.
The One like Judi Love was at York Theatre Royal last night (Thursday).
I have a huge amount of respect for any comedian who takes to a stage like York Theatre Royal to perform stand up – as whilst standing on stage and being funny doesn’t seem too big of a challenge on paper, it’s one of the hardest things to do, and Judi Love soared in her success.
Her shoes, bottle and microphone weren’t the only things sparkling as she graced the stage: her personality was too.
Whether you know her from her hysterical participation in Taskmaster or her Loose Women honesty, you will know she’s unapologetically fabulous.
Though she may have taken a nerve wracking step away from the Loose Women desk, she never needed to hide as she is nothing short of a force of nature on her own. She fills the stage with her enthusiasm, animated storytelling and charm. It felt as though she was a long lost friend, welcoming us into her home with open arms and making us, the audience, her much loved and entertained guests.
And Judi Love wasn’t the only comedian to grace the stage yesterday evening – her support act Lee Peart gave a performance that could have been its own show, one I would thoroughly enjoy sitting through.
Full of queer humour and quick witted stories, the audience warmed to him faster than he could announce his sexual orientation (which was quickly!). And whilst any stand-up support act will be used to an ounce of disappointment from the crowd as they await the title comedian, I didn’t see a single person head back to the bar or take a breather from the hot auditorium which can only be a credit to Peart’s talent.
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As mentioned, yesterday may have been another unexpected hot summer day but Judi brought an equal heat, whether twerking on arrival or making the audience sweat – she was the perfect comedic puppet master and I was more than happy having my strings pulled!
A couple of guests she made especially welcome had to be the two 14 year olds on the front row who gained the most interaction throughout. Every inappropriate comment made, in which there was an abundant amount, was followed with a check in from ‘Auntie Judi’ or a sympathetic gesture. I couldn’t see their faces but I only imagine they’ll be glowing red for days, and this certainly kept the rest of the audience giggling all evening.
Whilst comedy is the reason the crowds come, they leave with some unsolicited but much needed advice too – there was often a guidance to self love and acceptance along the way. Judi’s main focus was on her life as a beautiful Black woman, her Jamaican roots and her cultural day-to-day experiences; she covered some really important topics with such ease and lightness while still allowing the audience to walk away with some food for thought. To create an exceptional comedy show is one thing but to also educate an audience of all ages and backgrounds is an impressive achievement.
Though this may have been a one night only event in the wonderful city of York, Judi is touring near and far up until early 2024 and I urge you to buy a ticket if you want a night of comedy gold.
Find out more at Judi Love’s website here.
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