Lewis Schaffer

Though he might not succeed in convincing everyone of America’s greatness, Lewis Schaffer succeeds in producing a damn funny stand-up act. His pompous, all-American kitsch continues throughout the show and is hilariously over the top. We hear about how America saved the world from high house prices with the credit crunch; and, predictably enough, how we should all be grateful to them for global warning making things less chilly.

It’s material that could soon wear thin in the hands of a less experienced comic, yet amazingly Schaffer doesn’t let it become tired at any stage of his hour long set. The nationality-based humour keeps coming thick and fast; expect plenty of variations on the old “Are there any Americans/Canadians/Englishmen here tonight?” and Lord help you if you’re not from New York, the “greatest city in the greatest country in the world.”

Of course he mixes things up a little with the odd bout of self-referencial anti-Semitism and more than a few Madeline McCann jokes which will certainly catch an audience off-guard. At the heart of the show is Schaffer’s story of being ‘held hostage’ in London by his ex-wife and some pretty cutting observations on British culture.

Sure, it’s not the most cerebral humour in the world, but it’s solid late-night comedy in an experienced pair of hands. Schaffer can work a crowd like only a tried and tested comedian can, and talents like his make America all the greater.