Sam Avery
Format: Stand-Up
Review Date: February 16 2020
Performance: February 16 2020
Location: Epstein Theatre, Liverpool
Duration: 105 Minutes incl. Interval
Sam Avery has been a regular on the local comedy scene for some time now, and here at the Epstein Theatre, we got to hear about the next stage of his life via his Toddlergeddon stand-up show.
Description
Sam is the father of two twin boys who are now aged four, and the idea of parenthood through the toddler stage is something that many can relate to, as evidenced by the large percentage of attendees who raised their hands when asked if they themselves had children. As Avery pointed out, though, the toddler years can prove to be pretty interesting, because the kids are past their initial time as babies, but aren’t yet at the point where they have entered proper school and where they begin to gain minor independence. As toddlers, they have picked up the ability to walk and talk, and to understand the basics about life, but still require the supervision of adults to keep safe.
All of which makes the task of looking after toddlers rather tricky, but never dull, as Avery explained. In this show, Sam noted that the term “Toddlergeddon” is relevant because it really does feel like an onslaught of never-ending, at times ridiculous, but ultimately fulfilling challenges. I won’t spoil the jokes or the personal stories that Sam told, but needless to say that his descriptions of both the day-to-day duties of parenthood with two toddlers (who are twins, remember) and the more unusual moments that he and his family have so far found themselves in not only received plenty of laughs (at times some true belly-laughs because of how far the kids would be willing to push a particular situation), but also nods of heads from those who have experienced the same incidents in their own lives, and continue to do so.
Analysis
Having already provided an award-winning blog in the form of The Learner Parent, Avery’s quick-wit and willingless to discuss and divulge just about anything pertaining to his life, his family and the mind-sets of those closest to him ensure that a show like this has plenty of comedic material to go off. One of the most amusing things about being a parent is recognising that while you and your loved ones are in hysterics because of something that a child has said or done, the boy or girl themselves will wonder what all the fuss is about because, to them, such words or actions are entirely normal. That only makes a show like this even funnier, though, because it is describing situations that only a child (or in this case, two children) could find themselves in, with the laughs coming from how Sam and his wife Rachel react to the increasingly-mad moments provided by the twins as they get older.
That last aspect ultimately proves crucial as the show nears its end, because Avery notes more than once about the voice in his head occasionally telling him how he would miss the times when the kids would do something truly bonkers, or where he and Rachel could reach a stage where they actually get some sleep again or even just a couple of hours of rest from the twins. This is something that the audience would definitely be wise to keep in mind, because sometimes parenthood is so pedal-to-the-metal that it’s easy to overlook that the crucial early years don’t last forever, and they ultimately provide the fondest memories. The rest and relaxation that parents often crave when they are at their most tired and cranky will eventually come, but when they finally arrive, there’s a feeling of sadness. Avery emphasises this as the show climaxes, but not before giving us a hilarious insight into his own family life during two of the toughest yet higely rewarding years that parents can have.
Summary
At just under two hours, the show leaves you wanting more, and I get the feeling that there is plenty more to be heard about parenthood of two young twins from Sam Avery. If you get a chance to check out his Toddlergeddon show, I would definitely recommend it for laughs and memorable stories aplenty.
Notes
Target Audience: Adults Aged 18+
Content: Occasional Strong Language, Moderate Sex References
Recommendation?: Yes
Overall Rating: 8.5/10 – Excellent
Further Information
For more information about Sam Avery, click here.
