07 September 2011 (gig)
12 September 2011
Taken out of context, S.mouse is a crap American rapper with delusions of grandeur. His limited and puerile repertoire, peppered with bad language, draws on subjects such as his “superior junk” (Big Black Balls), defecation (Poo on You) and his supposed “intellectality” (E=Mc2). It’s humiliating material, but he’s the self-proclaimed “greatest rapper in the world”.
Thankfully, S.mouse is one of Australian comedian Chris Lilley’s creations, introduced via the recent BBC3 comedy Angry Boys. Tonight, the rapper makes his UK debut with a special gig sponsored by O2 Priority Moments, and Islington Academy is heaving – a world away from S.mouse’s last fictitious gig that saw him play to an empty room.
The fans, many dressed as characters of past and present, such as Jonah Takalua, Ja’mie King and Jen Okazaki, shout lines from Angry Boys and some wave three-legged toy dogs in tribute to the eponymous song. There’s an air of great anticipation as they chant for S.mouse, who bursts on stage – preceded by two scantily clad female dancers and DJ Danthony – and launches into the first of his ridiculous songs, Animal Zoo.
The whole show is only 30 minutes – most numbers are glorified jingles – but Lilley does nothing by halves, so this is a rare and perhaps overdue treat for his ever-growing army of devotees. Not once slipping out of his loquacious character, he plays up to the crowd, declaring ‘his’ love for English women and sneakily name-dropping the show that made him (in)famous. It’s surreal but believable. The set climaxes with the gimmicky Slap my Elbow, which has the ingredients of a real hit: simple lyrics, catchy tune and easy-to-copy moves, as evidenced by the audience. It’s all astute promotion for Lilley’s work and the fans clearly love both the fact and the fiction.
While S.mouse’s rap career has an obvious shelf life, in and out of the show, the future looks brighter than ever for his creator – Lilley's recent appearance at HMV Oxford Circus attracted its biggest turnout for a DVD signing – and long may he dice with these well-crafted and brilliantly acted characters. In a time when so much television is churned out for the masses of frankly unnecessary digital channels, Angry Boys and its predecessors, Summer Heights High and We Can Be Heroes, have been refreshing and reassuring examples of clever, dark-edged comedy and tender drama.
Angry Boys the DVD and official soundtrack are out now
Photo credit: Charlie Gray
