Fresh from the Edinburgh fringe festival, Tony Law bought his whimsical show, Enter the Tonezone to the ever cosy City Varieties Music Hall here in the heart of Leeds. Throughout the evening, Law took his keen spectators through a quirky journey enriched in audience interaction and lengthy anecdotes that would suitably fit in with the world of absurdist comedy.

The whacky comedian braced the stage dressed in a black onesie with various pieces of material attached upon his person. His striking image enhanced his obscure humour to which his audience connected with throughout the evening. However, there were moments where the audience struggled to remain connected particularly during moments of excessive improvisation. Whilst it was entertaining at first to see Tony Law referring to his notebook for ideas, the repetition had built up momentum which in the end wasn’t used to its potential.

Whilst there were some moments of comedy gold during Tony Law’s set, spectators were left underwhelmed in parts. Not one for one liners and subtle humour, Law whimsically steered through his set with an array of bizarre accents and strange noises reminiscent of a disruptive child. The piece was held together by Law’s lengthy anecdotes about his family and wife’s late dog, Cartridge Davison.

The evening saw Tony Law present an alternative, yet perhaps disruptive comedy which would certainly be more suitable in a comedy tent at an arts festival. Unfortunately, this particular set did not blend so well in City Variety Music Hall. The evening was largely unfragmented and static which, whilst it added to the humour of the unique comedian, left spectators feeling underwhelmed and only lightly entertained. However, Law’s fan base whom attended were supportive and ready to absorb his weird and wonderful humour.

Mark McDougall