Hal Sparks – Evolution Overdrive

Arriving on stage just before 11pm as crowds cram into the hallways of the Gilded Balloon to avoid torrential rain, Hal Sparks is up against it with a tired looking, drenched audience. Unfortunately, his animated efforts don't spark much energy in the room. This is partly down to the ambience of the auditorium, but the material fails to get off the ground with any degree of momentum.

Sparks' physical energy as a performer often outweighs the intellectual content of his material. Set pieces on Viagra, hell, evolution and local accents are delivered enthusiastically, but without insight. The lack of uptake for the show in the room becomes irreversible after twenty minutes, although, to his credit, Sparks never gives up. Perhaps, in a different time slot without such a sleepy audience, his jokes might spark more fervour.