Looking for me friend – the music of Victoria wood – Catherine Usher review
We all have a comedian that has a special place in our heart and for Paulus The Cabaret Geek, who
wrote and performs this show, Victoria Wood made such an impression on him that he has been touring
this hearfelt tribute show to her for six years.
His affection for Victoria infuses the show with poignancy as he describes the impact she had on his life
since he first encountered her as a young boy. He talks about how he fell for her humour, sincerity and
sense of normality. Before he even articulates it, it’s clear that Victoria has been a very important part of
his life. Indeed, he describes a time when he was at drama school and was encouraged to write to
successful industry figures asking for their support. Victoria replied and sent him £50.
When he describes her death from cancer in 2016 and how much he still misses her – despite having
never met her – he is disarmingly genuine. He also discusses how private she was. His upset over her
death aged 62 resonates as he says how much he misses her humour. “I would love to hear her take on
air fryers,” he says with a sad laugh.
His singing routines are full of warmth and hilarity and he delights in recreating many of Victoria’s witty
tunes, such as The Ballad Of Barry And Freda, accompanied by keyboard-player Michael Roulston, who
first bonded with Paulus years ago over their shared love of
the comedian.
For those of us who have a rather low-level knowledge of
Victoria’s work, this show is certainly warm-hearted and
entertaining. But those who clearly take the most from it are
the audience members who love her as much as Paulus does.
He mentions a community of her fans who are active in a
Facebook group and a fair few of such hardcore fans
appeared to be in the audience at Jacksons Lane.
It will be 10 years in April since Victoria died and her home
was in Highgate so it’s a particularly poignant time for Paulus.
Such is his sincerity and unwavering affection for Victoria that
he presents a gently fiting tribute to a comedian who left us
too soon.
