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DVD REVIEW

GENRE: COMEDY

RELEASED: 2004

Having collected six BAFTAs and two Golden Globes as the star and co-writer of the highly acclaimed comedy THE OFFICE, Ricky Gervais now turns his back on television and takes centre stage for his second live show POLITICS. For someone who gave up stand up comedy because it was “just too hard”, he makes a successful and welcome return. Having rejected a lucrative five year contract, not wanting “to be labelled as the BBC bitch”, the creator of David Brent begins his national tour at the Palace Theatre London, the venue for this DVD recording.

However, the title of the recording is somewhat misleading as it features very little political content. Those who have failed to escape his witty and watchful eye include Thora Hird, Steven Hawking and fellow comedian Ben Elton. One of the very few times he addresses the political issue is: “We’ve done gays and Nazis- but that’s enough about the Conservative party.”

The current government and their policies have been spared his wrath however, as POLITICS seems more of an excuse for Gervais to poke fun at any target he desires.

As with his last live show ANIMALS, POLITICS is not for the easily offended or more politically correct viewer. Although there is frequent swearing in the show, his unique style and informal delivery has the audience listening to him as they would a friend in the pub. 

Much of his hour long performance draws inspiration from his childhood, as he shares his interpretations of nursery rhymes and fables. He tells how the story of the ‘boy who cried wolf’ did not teach him never to lie, but to never tell the same lie twice. Gervais also touches upon some taboo and unconventional topics of comedy. Gags about The Holocaust, teenage masturbation and paedophilia are told to a wincing yet amused audience.

The DVD also features several extras including an interview with fellow comedian and Xfm DJ Karl Pilkington. Gervais asks for his opinions on certain issues which he addresses in the show, namely race, sexuality and disability. Pilkington shares his blunt and frank views which are made all the more comical with his unfazed responses when Gervais questions the rationale of his statements. Whether these reactions are part of the script or Pilkington’s true feelings on the issues, the extra makes both compulsory and hilarious viewing. 

An in-depth insight into government politics, this is not, but a comical, topical and wickedly warped interpretation of society it most definitely is. JG