| 10 August 2011
Considering his credentials - he plays Jonny in C4’s Friday Night Dinner and is the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2011 - Tom Rosenthal and his show, Child of Privilege, were somewhat underwhelming. Despite the fact I was given a cushion and a chocolate upon arrival (sit on the right if you want the same treatment), Rosenthal’s debut proved less of a treat than I’d hoped.
Son of the famous sports presenter Jim Rosenthal, pupil of various public schools with hahas and holder of a philosophy degree from UCL, Rosenthal has led a life of privilege. He even has the money belt to prove it. His charming send-up of his father’s nonsensical hyperboles and famous-child rivalry with Peaches Geldof are exactly that – charming - and they start the show off in good stead. Even his quips about the battle of the Enthals (Jim vs. Heston) were refreshing and well written: “You can’t frappe justice!” being a particular favourite of mine.
The more universal topics of Andy Murray’s narcissism, Pimp My Ride and Simon Bird are also woven into the proceedings, and are well received. But Tom doesn’t just want to make the audience laugh, no. The aim of this show is twofold: to save the world and to win an award to trump the one his butler Leonard is buffing in the corner. In pursuing this goal he loses his edge and becomes a bit too wanky in his showing-off. Clever gimmicks, a philosophy slideshow and a self-confessed rip-off of Stewart Lee’s method ensue, but, while they are clever, they are neither hilarious nor award-worthy. All this said, he is definitely one to keep your eye on.
Tom Rosenthal: Child of Privilege, Pleasance Courtyard, 3-29 August (not 16), 9.30 pm
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