Little Lark of London

It is difficult to be a talented comedian. It’s also difficult to be a talented musician able to play multiple instruments. To be a musical comedian who is just as talented with jokes as they are with instruments? It can be difficult. But, luckily, Matty Hutson is here to show everyone how it’s done.

Matty Hutson: Don’t Hold Back is the debut hour for Hutson, a musical comedian who begins his show with some songs including Delilah’s response to the Plain White T’s’s “Hey There Delilah,” Stacy’s Mom’s reaction to Fountains of Wayne’s “Stacy’s Mom,” and even Jolene’s response to Dolly Parton’s classic “Jolene.” The show has more of a structure than a full story, which works, as this show is simply a comedy show and has no claims of being a storytelling and emotional piece. 

Hutson has a PowerPoint presentation on a small screen behind him, giving the titles of segments and songs simply titled things like “Non-Musical Comedy,” “A Song About Getting Older,” and “A Moment of Reflection Before the Final Song.” The screen was also used to play some videos to accompany Hutson’s songs, like having a group of guys in hoodies behind him during his application to be a UK drill member. 

Even though all of songs have simple titles, they are all brilliant! Some of my favourites included “A Song About A Wild Evening I Had Recently,” “A Song for the Fellas,” and “A Song About Self Acceptance.” Hutson also uses his musical talents when doing crowdwork, choosing pre-selected bits as responses to audience members when he asks them questions. There is one section, “Duet,” in which an audience member is brought up on stage and works with Hutson to be in sync.

Ultimately, Matty Hutson: Don’t Hold Back is an incredible 60 minutes of musical (and non-musical!) comedy that will have you cracking up while also admiring Hutson’s comedic and musical talents. I will be anxiously awaiting an album from him in the future!

Matty Hutson: Don’t Hold Back runs at Pleasance Courtyard, The Attic at 19:15 from 21 to 27 August.