THREE packed out dates in Liverpool were topped off with a gloriously laid-back performance by Frank Skinner on his highly-rated Thirty Years of Dirt tour.

The multi-talented Mr Skinner told the Globe in an interview last week that he simply likes to make people laugh.

Recent sell-outs at the Philharmonic Hall illustrate his popularity - leading to a third date at the Empire on a cold November night.

Happily, there was a lot of warmth to greet the 67-year-old Brummie.

Before he arrived on stage, Steve Hall - as support - provided an excellent 20 minute sequence of observational comedy. He has been around a long time and has first class material especially on his own lack of social graces.

It was the ideal opener for laid-back Mr Skinner sporting a green t-shirt who paced across the vast stage commenting on how the Beatles had once played the venue.

And surprisingly, he did an impersonation of fellow comedian the late, great  - Ken Dodd.

Frank related Ken's famous gag of Martians invading a vicarage. it's not as rude as it sounds, but conveyed Frank's own love of the surreal.

He effortlessly flew off into flights of fancy from picking up his MBE from Princess Anne to a bizarre TV documentary on North Korea presented by Chubby Brown.

Frank always has an ace card up his performing sleeve where he politely picks on individuals and couples in the front rows. These Q and As act as conversational springboards and they can - and frequently do - go anywhere.

There was a biting review of the TV programme Naked Ambition and after a clean start the gags and reflections on modern life became dirtier - thus the tour title.

Frank dealt with a heckler superbly by announcing his 'heckling workshops.'

A joy to listen to from a man at the top of his game.

There was a lot self-effacing put-downs  - one featuring a Scouser who had been to see him telling work mates that the the comedian had died a death on stage.

This was tailor-made for a Liverpool audience.

You simply don't know what will come next from a sea shanty about a mermaid to his relationship with his girlfriend of 24 years and the extortionate price of roses.

He has a genuine love of the English language and all is nuances and he can make you think about the way we say things in a new light

He left the stage only to return for an inspired 20 minute encore. Frank at his best going off on terrific tangents.

He has added a extra tour date in Manchester on November 29

Frank is back - in fact, he has never been away

I am sure that I will be reviewing Forty Years of Filth in a decade's time. 

For now, join in the fun in 2024.

He's someone who has never dated and like the man himself  said . . . he just loves to make people laugh.

 

Stand Up Masterclass

5 Stars

Frankskinnerlive.com