Omid Djalili Schmuck for a Night Tour at the Parr Hall Warrinngton Review
Omid Djalili
Schmuck for a Night Tour
Parr Hall, Warrington
4 February 2017
Reviewed by Jan Mellor
I had never seen Omid on TV much so wasn’t sure what to expect but from the introduction by the ‘warm up act ‘(a name hard to grasp) Boothby Graffoe – it was a fast-flowing comedy explosion. The audience joined in (heckled) immediately as the comedian sang great snappy songs on his guitar – and he spontaneously responded with ease. There were some brilliant one-liners (I have to go I have a long drive – but a very small house!) the audience were definitely warmed up. Omid came on to rapturous applause and as an Iranian had loads of material around president Trump and Isis but he delivered the topics ail without being offensive in anyway and in a mockery style that had all chuckling with delight. His translation of the ‘Muslim Ban’ to the tune of ‘Postman Pat’ was genius as was his brilliant (apparently renowned) Iranian dancing he did following each ‘lame’ joke. The man was a joy to behold. Not wanting to give too much away- Omid carried out in great style one-liners about Boris Johnson, Brexit, Archbishop Tutu and Mandela (impersonations were rib-breaking), football chants, if the English ran Hollywood and his take on getting old/dementia (done in great taste) he had the great skill of turning contentious topics into squeals of delight and mirth. He didn’t use the audience as ‘props’ but had great crowd appeal which resulted in an encore and a standing ovation.
Omid came on at 8.45 and left at 10.30 so we had a decent length of comedy. He called the tour the “Schmuck for a Night” tour out of his admiration for the Jewish people who accept ridicule and had no issue around this. He was topical, refreshing and humble. He cared about where he was by getting to know the town he played in (Warrington) and finished by informing us that it was National Cancer day and how he was affected by the loss of many friends (Victoria Wood/Caroline Aherne). It was a truly entertaining show and I can’t wait till see him again. Excellent! Well done Omid.
Refreshing and Clever Entertainment!
Rating: 5/5 
Omid Djalili and his Schmuck for a Night Tour is currently touring the UK. For more information and tour dates visit www.omidnoagenda.com.
For other shows at the Parr Hall in Warrington visit www.pyramidparrhall.com.
Pyramid & Parr Hall, Cultural Quarter, Palmyra Square South, Warrington, WA1 1BL | 01925 442884
