★★★
Being a ‘sightie’, as Richard calls those of us who aren’t visually impaired, I had never considered how one would do crowd work when you can’t see your audience. Richard connects with his audience with a rousing rendition of Living on a Prayer, with individuals filling in drum-solos and guitar riffs. It’s our sounds he works off and forging a unique connection.
Richard’s set talks a lot about our idea of beauty, and how he navigates what he finds beautiful in others, and if he is beautiful himself. It’s a nice conceit to hang the show on, if a little lightweight. Wheatley’s persona is charming and affable, and the material borders on the wholesome, refreshing amongst a slew of comedians you couldn’t even take Slipknot to.
The section of the show in which Richard talked about his childhood operations and how he wasn’t expected to live very long, was delivered in his same inoffensive and light manner, yet it really was a revealing moment. It can be easy to forget of the inner lives of performers, especially when we have become cynical to the beats of a personal anecdote in a stand-ups arsenal.
Richard excels in this easy-going and relaxed style that sits as a tonic amongst more intense shows. I’d really love to hear more of Richard’s story and how he tackles over subject matter, because his perspective is wholly his own and fully formed.
Am I Beautiful? is on at CAlto – Theatre till the 25th August
