Hosted by comedian Zach Zucker, Stamptown is a chaotic late-night variety show which will not be to everyone’s taste. There are some displays of true talent, but also many moments where it appears perilously close to ending in disaster. At one point, as hotdogs are being hurled into the baying audience, and microphone wires become entangled with roller skates on the confetti covered floor, it appears that the venue manager is about to step in and shut down the show. However, it turns out that she is fact actor Erin Farrington, who delivers an intentionally awkward and rather belated trigger warning.
The show starts promisingly, with a virtuoso display of roller skating from Dylan Woodley. He throws himself wildly around the stage and up and down stairs, turning a suspected stumble deftly into a forward roll. Zucker then takes to the stage in his role as compere, but in character as obnoxiously hyperactive comedian Jack Tucker. This part of the show is like an assault on the senses, with incessant car horn sound effects, flashing lights and a frantically twitchy performance from Zucker. He does settle into the role as the show goes on, obviously relaxing when interacting with the other guests, but his solo spot was described by several audience members afterwards as “insufferable”.
Unlike a traditional variety show, the acts don’t follow each other neatly. Instead, they constantly interrupt proceedings, whether running in from the wings or appearing in the audience to cause chaos. Captain Frodo, or Rubberman, displays some truly impressive flexibility as he squeezes himself through two tennis racquets simultaneously. It’s even more impressive that he manages to do this whilst handling a microphone, a stool, and with his foot next to his face inside the frame of the racquet. Similarly, musical comedy duo Flo and Joan deliver beautiful harmonies with perfectly straight faces, even when singing about a “lollygagging, lactating, legless lady in the woods”. Martin Urbano is amusing as a live reviewer in the audience, who is regularly invited onstage to comment on proceedings. There is also an incredible dance performance by Eloiuse Eftos as a robotic bride.
Less successful is a brief and obscene rap from a performer purporting to be Tucker’s 9yr old brother. Both he and comedian Joey Dardano show off considerable dance skill, but Dardano’s set feels messy in a way that was not intended. There are also cameos from Steffen Haanes’ vampire and members of Business Casual as stage hands and the aforementioned hotdog hurler. Tara Boom perhaps has the hardest job, closing the show naked except for heels and a liberal coating of butter, popcorn machine strapped to her head, hula hooping wildly in the direction of the audience.
Stamptown is billed as an anarchic, raunchy and chaotic show. Given that it’s a variety performance, the acts will change from night to night, and some may be more successful than others. However, this felt just on the wrong side of chaotic. Having seen other variety shows such as The Kaye Hole, the contrast is stark – Stamptown feels like a show careering out of control and often serves to leave the audience feeling both over and underwhelmed at once.
“Stamptown” runs until 23rd August (not 6th/12th/17th) at Pleasance Courtyard Beyond and Grand, with tickets available at www.pleasance.co.uk
Reviewer: Torya Hughes
Reviewed: 4th August 2025
North West End UK Rating: