Edinburgh Festival

"The late great lyricist and songwriter, Ian Dury, sometime frontman with The Blockheads, comes back from the grave to enthrall the audience with an amazing journey through several pivotal points in his life. He is brilliantly portrayed by Jud Charlton, who looks like Ian, moves like Ian and sings like Ian. This play gives a fascinating insight into the mind of a troubled genius, who battled the bottle, was given to violent and abusive outbirsts, but who, underneath it all, never lost touch with his humanity and empathy with others. Ian talks about his childhood and his difficult times coming to terms with his polio. It deals openly with his on/off relationships with the Blockheads, with whom he reunited towards the end of his life. There are lots of humourous stories from their many tours, such as when other members of the band had to hide his leg braces to try to keep him under control, only for Ian to order extra ones to be sent to various destinations on route. Lines such as "Paul Mccartney told me once that when people recognise him, he walks briskly away, but when I try to walk briskly away, I just fall over" lighten a serious, sometimes poignant subject. There are lots of musical interludes of hits such as "Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll", and "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick" to keep you tapping your feet and singing along. Whether a music lover, or just interested in Ian as a person, you won't be disappointed.

Well worth a visit.. Funny, sad, reflective, poignant. Strong language throughout. Ian Dury died far too young.