Review – Peter Combe: Big Kids Night Out

It is so rare that we are able to revisit something we loved from our childhoods and come away with the memories untarnished. Peter Combe’s Big Kids Night Out achieves just that. The songs of Peter Combe were a childhood staple of many people now in their twenties and thirties and his show Big Kids Night Out allows us to delve into a wonderful night of nostalgia, without having to worry about trampling the occasional toddler.

The best thing about Big Kid’s Night Out is the fact that Combe does not need to rely solely on the nostalgia of his audience, as he and his accompanying band are all extremely talented musicians. This, paired with the fact that his songs are diverse in style, interestingly composed and just genuinely good, means that the show holds the audience’s interest even through unfamiliar tunes. This is also the reason that Combe has been able to maintain his popularity.

Having said that, the real reason people bought tickets was to hear Combe’s biggest hits. These were, of course, the highlights of the performance. Combe delivered all his most popular tunes – Newspaper Mama, Juicy Juice Green Grass and, my personal favourite, Mr. Clickety Cane. During these songs, the atmosphere in the Vagabond was utterly gleeful, the crowd going wild – especially those donning newspaper hats.

Combe interacts well with his adult audience, sharing anecdotes about the songs and past shows. He is genuine, funny and totally likeable. Combe is never patronising or pandering, despite his usual audience. He doesn’t cheapen himself to appeal to the older audience – there’s no swearing or crude tales, meaning that the audience gets to leave with their nostalgic and adoring view of him intact.

Big Kids Night Out is probably the best show I have seen all Fringe. It might not be particularly daring or edgy, but is colourful and fun and will bring back all the best bits of your childhood, without leaving wondering what your five-year-old self was thinking. If you were a fan of Combe’s songs as a kid, don’t miss out – he often plays The Gov or other adult-friendly venues. Go! You will not be disappointed.