SCIENCE - A Review of Ricky Gervais' New Stand-Up

Ricky Gervais gives a competent and intelligent performance in his new stand up, Science.

A vast improvement on the disappointing Fame, Science is obviously meticulously crafted and researched. Gervais manages to be both insightful and funny. An example of the former was when Gervais discusses, in a Gollum-esq monologue, fear induced prejudice, where the rational and irrational minds collide. The later was evident in several laugh-out-loud moments, including (I am ashamed to say), a joke about a paedophilic father.

Gervais showed a revived enthusiasm and penache for stand up, bouncing around the stage conveying excitement and energy. His articulation and words-man-ship allowed him to present with impressive aplomb and vigour.

However, too much of the performance felt like a self-indulgent diatribe about Gervais’ pet hates, including ‘Iceland’ and, what Gervais calls, ‘fat people’. Another area of animosity was the unnecessary swearing, culminating in several ‘cheap laughs’ through their excessive use.

Gervais also has a tendency to want to teach and inform rather than to entertain. Bordering on patronizing, he continually reminds the audience of his achievements, status and wealth, at one point, complaining, without irony, about having to use ten thousand pound private jets. His self proclamation even saw him label the audience as ‘losers’ and, at another point, ‘cunts’, moments that bordered on awkward.

Gervais seems to crave credibility, unfortunately, with Science, he won’t get it. What he may get though, is a reasonably satisfied and amused audience, just don’t take him too seriously.