Review: Mr Swallow: Show Pony, Richmond Theatre

It’s a welcome return to Richmond Theatre for Emmy-nominated actor, writer and comedian Nick Mohammed, aka Mr Swallow, who brings the Show Pony extravaganza to London as part of his nationwide run. For those who don’t know, Mohammed is one of the standout stars of the multi-award-winning (and Richmond-based) Netflix series Ted Lasso, although he has been a performer and actor for many years prior to that, with numerous TV and radio credits to his name.

Following a previous sell-out tour in 2023 and a run in the West End, this new show updates us on the latest musings, magic and mayhem of the beautifully eccentric Mr Swallow. Having not seen him previously, I went to this performance with a completely open mind and blank page. Who is this mysterious, camp entertainer? What am I about to see? Why is he called Mr Swallow? Does he have a first name? Some of these questions are answered, some not. The sell-out crowd here tonight obviously know what to expect, given the great atmosphere and expectation in the room.

Mr Swallow kicks us off right away with what I now know is his trademark easy listening-style ramblings and anecdotes, most of which appear to be from the real-life experiences of Mohammed. It’s all relatable and down to earth, connecting him with his audience. We have some audience participation and activity, which delights the expectant crowd no end, interspersed with some magic and trickery for good measure. An extremely intelligent performer with impeccable timing (and more than the odd hint of improvisation when needed), this all makes for a great start from him. But after about 30 minutes or so, Mr Swallow announces that he has to depart the stage to prepare himself for the second half.

He hands over to comedy writer, actor and standup comedian Rose Johnson. At this point, there’s a slight dip in the audience mood. She’s clearly a polished performer in her own right, with some great, observational, life-based gags landing. But some just didn’t. The crowd are then left wondering what’s actually happening. Had this been a related act or a performer in a similar character-based role, as with our Mr Swallow, it would make perfect sense linking the two together. However, starting off your own show and then introducing what is effectively a warm-up act mid-way through the first half just does not work. This is a good half-hour performance, taking us through to the interval, but by that time, many audience members had already left for the bar to beat the queue.

The Show Pony himself returns for the second half, launching into a fantastic hour-long performance of well-crafted and intelligent mayhem, again using his audience, some life-based stories and a mix of good old-fashioned variety performance to wonderful effect. There are nods to some of the comedy greats gone by (including Victoria Wood) in the styling and structuring, which is a refreshing change from a performer using bad language to get a cheap laugh. That’s not seen or needed at all here. Alone on stage with only a few props, his sparkly jacket and personality, Mr Swallow has the audience in the palm of his hand. 

This is an extremely intelligent, well-structured and charismatic performance by Mohammed. By using the character of Mr Swallow, we see inside the mind of someone who maybe isn’t too comfortable being just himself on stage. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

Created & Performed by Nick Mohammed
Produced by Berk’s Nest in association with United Agents

Mr Swallow: Show Pony has completed its run at Richmond Theatre but is on a UK tour