When Alexander Armstrong and Ben Miller’s tour of the country started in September, provincial press reports suggested that there were technical wrinkles. The good news is that those creases have been ironed out. The bad news is that there is still lumpiness in a script that hits beautiful bullseyes but at times also barely brushes the target.
The TV duo’s well-vexed Second World War pilots, who opened and reappeared throughout, were a clear highlight, with their mix of Blitz pluck and yoofspeak slipping down well on a day dominated by a posh young RAF man. Other memorable moments frequently included audience participation. Armstrong’s dirty-minded dentist and Miller’s cuckolded Jim plucked game victims from the stalls to great effect.
Numerous sketches, however, outstayed their welcome, particularly an overlong, underwritten Caveman routine. But if the show occasionally felt like Little Britain-lite, not as flash, rude or funny, one gloriously inspired skit made it all worthwhile — Armstrong playing an increasingly exasperated tourist trying to explain the term "crazy paving" to Miller’s monosyllabic German was even more manic than the recently broadcast version.
Plenty of charm and a few knowing asides about TV rivals Mitchell and Webb eased things along. But more crazy paving craziness and knockout punchlines would have made this terrific rather than merely entertaining.
New Wimbledon Theatre, November 22-27.
Information: 0844 871 7615, ambassadortickets.com
The Armstrong and Miller Show
Fairfield Halls, Croydon
