Ross Noble certainly gives value for money. While most comedy DVDs clock in at just over an hour for the main gig which has always struck me as fine on disc, but a little short if youd bought a ticket to the actual show the main feature on Things is over two-hours long. Indeed even early in the gig Noble describes the fact his gigs never seem to end as being like a hostage situation.
While most comedians might find it tough to keep up the energy that long, its not a problem for Noble, who seems possessed of an almost preternatural, manic liveliness, along with his trademark randomness and odd logic. The gig itself probably contains the standard amount of prepared material, but Nobles tendency to go off on tangents depending on whats going on in the theatre whether its people turning up late or things that fans leave on the stage during the interval (they obviously know Noble is likely to spending some time talking about these thing and so leave a selection of items) means its takes a long time to get through what is the basic show.
Thats fine though, as while a comedian who relies as much on spontaneity as Ross does is bound to be funnier at times than others, most of this gig is hilarious. Even things that seem lowbrow and rather basic comedy, such as using the self service checkouts in supermarket to swipe your testicles, become much funnier in his random hands.
Its his flights of fancy that are best, such as when he spends 15 minutes talking about pineapples, just because some have been left on the stage. Noble is undoubtedly a love him or hate him figure, as I know his seeming randomness grates on a lot of people, but for my money hes hilarious.
The value for money doesnt end with the main show either, as the Things package also includes a bonus disc, which includes two gigs from the Australian leg of his tour, and another that was performed in the round (all of these have been edited down, but are still very funny). Theres also the complete interview with Noble from Robert Llewellyns slight bizarre Dave show, Car Pool (who the hell thought an interview show where the host and subject just drive around for half an hour would be any good?), as well as the infamous Friday Night With Jonathan Ross interview that turned into a bit of a mock fight.
While many comedy DVDs just feel like theyve been thrown together with little care, in order to cash-in on the Christmas market, Things is a much better package. The main show is lengthy and hilarious, and the special features are all worth watching in their entirety.
While of course your enjoyment of the disc will entirely depend on what you think of the Marmite comedian, theres little doubt the two-disc set is a much better proposition than the basic and rather cheap discs many funnymen get.
Overall Verdict: Nobles very funny disc isnt just designed as a throwaway Christmas present thats only good for a single watch, but as a very good package people will return to.
Special Features:
Audio Commentary
2 bonus shows filmed in Australia
One of the Things arena shows performed ‘in the round’
Full length version of Ross’ ‘Car Pool’ interview with Robert Llewellyn
The now infamous Jonathan Ross interview/fight.
Reviewer: Tim Isaac