Finding Laughter in Adversity: Mark Steel
by Mark R on 12/05/2025Crewe Lyceum Theatre - CreweRating: 5 out of 5I attended Mark Steel's The Leopard In My House at the Crewe Lyceum on May 10, 2025. It was an unforgettable experience that masterfully blended humour with heartfelt storytelling. Drawing from his personal battle with throat cancer, Mark transformed a deeply personal journey into a compelling and comedic narrative. From the outset, his energy was palpable. Despite the gravity of his subject matter, he maintained a lively and engaging presence, performing for nearly three hours. His ability to find levity amidst adversity was evident as he recounted the challenges of his diagnosis and treatment with both wit and candor. For instance, he humorously described the moment his consultant confirmed the cancer diagnosis: "Joyfully, I held his hand and looked up to the heavens like a footballer after scoring a goal." His storytelling was enriched with vivid character sketches, such as a camp Scottish A&E doctor and a sports-metaphor-using general, which added layers of humor and relatability to the narrative. The show wasn't solely focused on his illness. Mark seamlessly wove in his signature political satire, critiquing various societal norms and figures with characteristic sharpness. His anecdotes about interactions with medical professionals and fellow patients added warmth to the performance. Notably, his turnaround of the Mustafa the doctor anecdote, which touched on a possible racial misunderstanding, was both sensitive and brilliantly executed. His reflections on the importance of publicly funded healthcare, paired with personal stories, resonated deeply with the audience. Overall, it was a fantastic night, and I highly recommend booking a ticket to see it.