We all have a very strange feeling as we sit in the Royal Hippodrome Theatre in Eastbourne today. You see, the poster says that we MIGHT get messy, the online trailer for the production shows other audiences getting very messy and, most of the assembled company are actually hoping that they WILL get messy, because that is what a Dick and Dom show is all about – well, that and bogies!
The introductory video, played on a huge screen that forms the backdrop to the boxing themed set, tells us that Dick and Dom have fallen out – after an argument over a fish finger – and that the only solution is to fight it out, so today it is Dick verses Dom!
Thankfully this is not a literal fight, but simply a ploy to divide the audience into two teams and present a series of challenges, some messier than others, that will decide which of the two legendary Childrens’ TV presenters will be today’s winner.
Watching two “Dads” from the audience take to the stage to put together a smoothie for the first challenge sounds harmless enough but, once you put the men into boxing gloves and then ask them to blend together a tin of beans, some ketchup, some Marmite and a packet of cheesy Wotsits – things start to get messy. The only thing worse than seeing them try to prepare this revolting cocktail is then watching them drink it – the only way to score the winning point for their team.
Of course, the audience get right behind their teammate in every challenge and, when it comes to the group tasks (singing a “nearly rude” song, doing the YMCA and “crowdsurfing” a lifesize can-can dancer doll) old and young join together to have a seriously wild time.
The final game takes messy to a whole new level with several children having a “custard pie” fight on stage and, as if that isn’t enough, Dick, Dom and Steven the Referee (who has been presiding over the whole event) then get their “supersoaker” water cannons at the ready to give the audience the drenching that they have been waiting for!
Dick and Dom have been together as a comedy TV presenting duo for over 20 years now and, having witnessed their live show for the very first time, and been drenched with the rest of the audience, it’s very easy to see why the kids love them – and why they are still at the very top of their game.
**** Four Stars
