Multiple personas and laughs aplenty – Tate’s show a hoot
Catherine Tate was worried she wasn’t well-known enough Downunder to tour New Zealand. She need not have worried. The British actor and comedian had a sellout crowd at Christchurch’s Isaac Theatre Royal laughing out loud for more than two hours on Monday at the stage version of her self-titled television skit show.
Popular characters Bernie, the overly sexual nurse; Derek, a man in denial about his sexuality; rebellious teen Lauren, with her ‘‘Am I bovvered?’’ catchphrase; and foulmouthed pensioner ‘‘Nan’’ Taylor were all given their time to shine. There was even a special celebrity cameo in the finale.
The characters showcase Tate’s mastery of multiple personas – and a wide range of British accents. However, the beauty of the stage show was that it allowed Tate to display her talent for off-the-cuff gags, ad-libs and breaking the fourth wall with the audience. These were some of the funniest moments. She fluffed or forgot her lines several times, missed cues and broke character – and it just ramped up the entertainment.
An audience member dared to pull out her phone for a photo, but caught Tate’s gaze. The star put the woman in her place in classic comedic fashion: ‘‘I’m a memory, not a memento,’’ she barked.
Fans know what they’re in for with Tate. There was plenty of swearing, a heavy sprinkling of gay jokes and poking fun at other cultures (and gingers). There was a dig at the Aussie accent (you can only imagine how she’s portraying us in shows across the ditch).
Kiwis and Cantabrians weren’t spared. Who knew we had such bizarre bathing habits? And those poor call centre workers from Shirley . . . Even her co-stars were frequent targets.
Tate further delighted the audience with references to Shortland Street, Air NZ, ACC and even Paul Henry. She had done plenty of cultural research.
The Edge radio station’s morning show hosts played a prominent role in a series of pre-recorded gags that played during set changes. It didn’t work as well as other parts of the show, but served its purpose of injecting Nan into the performance.
Tate’s energy never dropped despite a show that featured plenty of singing, dancing and physical comedy.
❚ The remaining shows are at Christchurch’s Isaac Theatre Royal (tonight), The Opera House in Wellington (December 6-7) and Spark Arena in Auckland (December 8).