Belowsky is the self-confessed only straight man in the world who loves Mary Tyler Moore. Not loves… aches for.
His one-man-show, Belowskology, is a tour de force, a spoken word onslaught that is part stand up comedy, part poetry slam. It’s a ramble in the finest sense of the word, a lilt through Belowsky’s brain using voice, music and multimedia.
To say there is a clear distinct narrative to this show is, well, pushing it. It’s a lesson in life where everybody passes. There are some genuine moments of hilarity and some brilliant one-liners, making for some genuine laughs. There are also those brilliant awkward moments of laughter – sometimes the best kind – particularly when Belowsky does his ode to The Beatles.
When Belowsky shines most brilliantly is in the second half. Here is an amazing montage to boxing that is just incredible. A collaboration with sonic sound artist Obscotch, it’s a heady mix of hope and spirit. It’s only matched by his ode to Jerusalem, which is also a sweeping majestic piece of spoken word – it’s so incredibly uplifting it’s surprising, filled with amazing imagery (‘the mirage is a desert with legs’). These parts add an amazing depth to Belowsky’s repertoire and, quite frankly, are well worth the ticket price alone.
This show won’t be everybody’s cup of tea. After all, you have to think a little. But if you are looking for a night out with an infectious character who loves to make people laugh, then this show will hit the mark!
Belowskology runs Downstairs At His Maj for two more nights from 7.30pm.
Scott-Patrick Mitchell
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