Several seats might have been empty at Russell Peters’ show in Chennai, but the mosquitoes were in full attendance. The Indo-Canadian comic kept swatting them away throughout the show, and even stood in between two fans to keep them away. “One even bit me on my head while I was backstage,” he complained.
The crowd at the YMCA College of Physical Education was ready for Russell, with hooting and yelling every time his name was mentioned. DJ Spinbad entertained the crowd with classic hip-hop numbers interspersed with several audio and audio-visual warnings about what would happen if anyone was found recording the show.
Gregg Rogell, a New York comedian, opened the event with irreverent digs at religion, living in Manhattan, Indian food and Mumbai. It was the perfect start to an evening filled with even wilder jokes from Russell, who pulled out all stops.
As always, his target was the first few rows. This time, it was an Anglo-Indian who worked in Qatar, an eye surgeon who wanted to be singer, a French copywriter, an elderly lady who was at the show with her grandson, and a couple of automobile engineering graduates.
Married couples were not spared; be it about their sex life, how many children they had and which child they liked more.
Russell’s brand of humour hasn’t changed over the years — it shocks, amuses and is downright hilarious. Several intrusions, like passing aeroplanes and fireworks, notwithstanding, it was still an enjoyable way to spend a Thursday evening.
