I bought this DVD after seeing his performances on the BBC and on YouTube, and it did not disappoint.
Both "Part Troll" and "Cosmic Jam" have what distinguishes Bill Bailey from many other comedians - live musical performances - which add tremendously to the different comedic aspects of the show. It definitely helps that Bill Bailey is a trained, professional musician and this really comes through with his unbelievably imaginative and skilled playing. In fact, music provides the backbone of the both shows, and is certainly an amusing, soft relief from the continuous talk not seen in this performance.
For those unfamiliar with Bill Bailey I think the most useful way to describe his style is more of an entertainer using the medium of music than a straight, stand-up comedian.
As mentioned in the disadvantages above, the only slightly annoying thing about the set is that the themes (and therefore the jokes) are too similar for my liking. However, I think there is enough dissimilarity between the two shows to make them each worth their own.
"Part Troll" is so called because it is the description that best described Bailey when he was a child (small and hairy) or so he claims... Bill does not disappoint with his trademark rambling tangents that he sprouts off on every now and again, which are sure to set you off in fits of laughter. For instance his ventures into his audition for 'Lord of the Rings' where his West Country accent needless to say didn't quite fit in.
It is in this show that the legendary remix of the BBC News theme tune is played to an audience in a mixture of awe and hysterics. And it's very very likely to have the same effect on you.
It is in "Cosmic Jam" that Bailey ventures into his fantastic 'Glastonbury Nutters' joke, involving two blokes inside, 50 blokes outside, a tunnel and a one man tent...and also into the weird world of Kebab photographers. Need I say more?
This DVD set offers some of the best comedy around from the legend himself. Well worth the money.
More details
Soundtrack
Outstanding
How does it compare to others by the same director?
Not applicable
Value for Money
Excellent
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DVD
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participant. Bill Bailey follicly-challenged star of TV shows 'Black Books' and 'Never Mind the Buzzcocks' performs a live stand-up show at the Hammersmith Apollo...
