Where has Lou Wall been hiding?  Well, they’re here now, with a show that’s hilarious from start to finish.

 

Kicking off with some adorable childhood nostalgia Lou comes up with a conundrum.  Why are all the grannies so small.  What has happened to all the tall grandmas?

 

Lou is on a mission to find out.

 

The show mixes song, PowerPoint, cartoons mock documentary footage, prank calling, animal footage and real-life scientific research.  Oh and there are also upbeat pumping musical numbers with excellent and funny lyrics.

 

Lou’s style mixes playful naivety with brilliant comic instincts.  This big lady (their words) is determined to take up space and inhabit their world.

 

In a world where some cool kid comics flaunt their ageism (BOOOOO!) it’s superb to see someone making such a passionate and creative show which celebrates older people – albeit in an utterly bizarre and random way.   There are no twee observations.  Just hard facts. And an apparent conspiracy. There are young people and there are old people. But all the tall old ladies have disappeared.

 

Wall is 6’5 (really!) immensely energetic, superbly inventive and instantly likeable. And this show is most definitely a celebration of Lou Wall, from unnaturally large child to giant lady - which encompasses family history, genetics and zoology.  Wall is a force of nature.  They ain’t going to let nothing stop them. And who would want to?

 

Wall’s light hearted and boisterous approach to research flies from one loopy idea to the next, before alighting on a surprising discovery which shifts the mood dramatically. After allowing the unexpected revelation to sink in, and pausing briefly to take stock, Lou bounces back, with another cheery tune, accompanied by nature documentaries and using gorgeous footage of giraffes, whales and other large creatures to round off this feelgood comedy triumph.

 

I recommended the show to a retired cabaret legend and a classical musician friend who came back in fits of laughter. Olaf Falafel was in the audience with his teenage daughter – who also had a great time.  My son, in his thirties, said I’d love them.  Lou Wall – apparently still in their twenties – has a very broad demographic.  An absolute delight.

 

 

 

 

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