SARCASTIC, cynical, world-weary and battle-scarred from countless run-ins with insolent children and their stroppy parents, Kevin Precious is the real-deal - a staff room survivor who escaped the teaching profession for a new life.
The fact that he has chosen stand-up comedy - a world that is full of sarcastic, cynical, world-weary individuals battle-scarred from countless run-ins with unresponsive audiences - speaks volumes.
It didn’t help that the Lighthouse website had advertised his 7.30pm show as starting at 8.00pm. As the unfortunate but inevitable latecomers arrived, Mr Precious - a one-time Head of Religious Education - appeared to be experiencing some kind of flashback. He looked as though he wanted to throw a blackboard rubber at someone.
His first headlining show, Not Appropriate, explores his former life as a teacher. It’s a great idea and packed with observational humour that trains a jaundiced eye on the pettiness, politicking, paranoia, pupils and parents that seemingly conspire to drive so many teachers to distraction.
Unfortunately, though much of the material clearly struck a chord with the teachers in the audience, it simply wasn’t funny. I think Mr Precious should write 100 times. ‘I will strive to make this show less tedious’. There’s something there but he really hasn’t found it yet.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here