Victoria Wood died at the age of 62 almost ten years ago, but, as this tribute shows, the legacy of her music and humour lives on! For much of her life, she lived in Highgate, so it is fitting that Paulus The Cabaret Geek’s two-person entertainment should visit Jacksons Lane Theatre as part of its tour, which has now lasted, on and off, for six years.
No worries that it might be stale, since Paulus seems as keen on Victoria Wood as he has been since the age of fifteen, when he first trod the boards as a drag act! Now he appears almost as an elder statesman, regaling the audience with many of Wood’s jokes as well as anecdotes about her life, even though he never met her. At times, it does seem as if the show is geared only to those who are Wood ‘aficionados’, and many of the references went over my head, as well as those of my colleague, which is a shame because a celebratory evening such as this should be trying to introduce new audiences to Wood’s style of humour.
For those who are familiar with the cabarets of Richard Stilgoe and Peter Skellern or even Flanders and Swann, the form of Looking For Me Friend is very similar: Paulus sits on a high chair, singing and chatting about Wood, whilst Michael Roulston sits at the keyboard, not only as accompanist, but also as ‘feed’ or ‘straight man’, the two frequently engaging in well-rehearsed banter which ensures that the evening has a relaxed feel about it and is very entertaining. Ralston proves himself to be a superb accompanist, playing very much in the style of Victoria Wood, whilst Paulus demonstrates a very attractive light baritone with an ability to put over a song, rather than just singing it! His diction is often exemplary, even if he is amplified rather too much, especially if one is sitting near the front of the auditorium; likewise, the electric piano.
It was a wise decision to ask Sarah-Louise Young to direct this show, as the result has pace as well as being a relaxing watch, with a great deal of variety in the choice of musical numbers. In particular, ‘Keep on Shopping’ in the first half is just as amusing as when Wood herself sang it, and ‘The Ballad of Barry and Freda’, probably Wood’s longest and most complex composition, and very difficult to put over by anyone else, comes over really well, highly appreciated by the large audience.
Looking For Me Friend has already toured to Hull and Saltburn, and will continue to do so in places further south: well worth catching if it lands near you! In addition, it comes with an excellent free programme and a macaroon. Recommended!
Review by John Groves
Looking For Me Friend is for fans of Victoria and for those yet to discover her, to come together and relish her breathtaking wizardry with words. In telling Victoria’s story, cabaret legend Paulus unfolds his own. A relatable story of a 1970s childhood and what it really means to find your tribe.
Now, after 6 years of successfully touring the UK, Paulus is finally hanging up the oven gloves, stilettos and cocktail slacks as he bids a sad farewell to the critically acclaimed show, ahead of announcing a new Victoria Wood-themed sequel show, which will premiere at the 2026 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Written and performed by Paulus The Cabaret Geek
With Michael Roulston on keys
Directed by Sarah-Louise Young
LOOKING FOR ME FRIEND
Jacksons Lane, 5 March 2026
Tour continues to 23 May 2026
