Mitch Benn: The Tom Lehrer Effect – The Anthony Burgess Foundation

The task of a comedy songwriter is a tough one. There’s deciding whether you want to simply write funny songs were the humour may come from precarious stunt-rhyming or mocking a popular musical style, through to packing lyrics with biting satire and political observations.

Before the likes of Weird Al Yankovich, Bill Bailey and Tim Minchin there was Tom Lehrer, a 1950s/60s musician who later turned mathematician, noted amongst other things for singing the periodic table to the tune of ‘Modern Major General’ and writing music for the cast of the US version of That Was The Week That Was (never getting to perform the songs himself much to his annoyance).

If he was raised on a diet of Radio 4 classic comedies, British cynicism and been handed a loop pedal, you’d end up with something uncannily like Mitch Benn. And tonight, Benn has created a true fan letter for someone he identifies as a key influence on his own comical output.

This one-hour show, currently previewing ahead of the Edinburgh Fringe, takes its audience through a selection of Lehrer’s songs along with those of Benn’s most heavily influenced by the man.

At its best, songs emerge from crises’ past that are still, horrifyingly, relevant today (such as Benn’s ‘State of Emergency’) and showcase both comics’ ability to tap into current affairs and produce intelligent music and commentary – triggering giggles through to full-on belly laughs.

It is a reminder that music in comedy requires more than just the ability to string a few chords together – the best in the business have real musicality. But it also reminds you that there is a balance.

For example, doing a song in the style of Thin Lizzy demonstrates Benn’s ability in impersonations but results in the comedy of what’s being sung being lost in amongst the riffs. Even Benn acknowledges this particular bit (as fun as it is), doesn’t quite work.

Despite having turned his back on satire, finding it too depressing, and returning to teaching Maths Lehrer is still kicking around, making  waves at the age of 97 by releasing his entire back catalogue free of copywrite, allowing the likes of Benn to start reimagining Lehrer’s work for modern ears and modern problems.

And this is particularly useful in that, as with any nostalgic look back at comics of the past, those familiar with the source material, will enjoy the whistlestop tour through his greatest hits, but those unfamiliar may otherwise find Lehrer a touch too quaint and genteel.

But it remains a solid performance, if a little rough around the edges (again, it is a preview) from a musician who has honed his own skills through years of touring, radio and podcasts. If Lehrer lit a satirical fuse, Benn is keeping the flames flickering, one raised eyebrow and guitar riff at a time.

For more Manchester Fringe shows visit: What’s on – Greater Manchester Fringe

Reviewer: Lou Steggals

Reviewed: 10th July 2025

North West End UK Rating: