We all know that Suggs is a larger-than-life character and hugely entertaining on stage. But who would have guessed that the Madness frontman’s new one-man show Suggs: My Life Story would be so professional, and brilliantly delivered?

From the moment he strode on stage for his one night at the Playhouse, he had us in the palm of his hand.

And the recent revelations about his errant father, whom Suggs tracked down this year, only to discover he’d died of heroin addiction, gave the show a backbone.

Never letting his life story get too sad, breaking up the paternal treasure hunt with the hilarious recital of his own life story; growing up in North London, experiencing the jazz clubs of Soho with his mother, surviving one of the toughest schools in London, being sent to live with his aunt in Wales for three years, the humble beginnings of Madness, and its meteoric rise, the audience gulps it all down, hungry for more.

Suggs never gloats or lords the fact that he reached the mega heights of rock stardom, or that he lived the life. Sure he sings some of the Madness songs, but usually only as a backing track to his own story.

Either way, we laughed, clapped, cheered and groaned our way through the two-hour show, which Suggs performed effortlessly, interspersed with moments of intense poignancy.

Suggs: My Life Story is not only hugely entertaining, but also a rare and insightful glimpse into the 50-year-old’s life, all accompanied by his hilarious stooge pianist. Catch it where you can.

  • For details of other venues for the show, click on the link below.