On June 3rd, 2024, the Grand Theatre Swansea was alive with laughter as comedy legends Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis took to the stage for their long-awaited show, We Are Not a Robot. It had been a decade since their last tour, and the anticipation was palpable. Joining me for this nostalgic evening was my dear friend Caroline, and together we were ready to soak in the hilarity that has defined Punt and Dennis’s illustrious careers.
Walking into the historic Grand Theatre, the air buzzed with excitement. The crowd was a delightful mix of devoted fans who had followed Punt and Dennis since their 1990s heyday, alongside a new generation curious to see what the comedy duo had to offer. The theatre itself, with its ornate interiors and warm ambiance, provided the perfect setting for an intimate and laughter-filled night.
As the lights dimmed and the duo stepped onto the stage, the audience erupted into applause. Punt and Dennis’s chemistry was as sharp as ever, effortlessly drawing the crowd into their world of witty observations and cleverly crafted sketches. The show’s title, We Are Not a Robot, hinted at their tongue-in-cheek commentary on the absurdities of modern technology, but it also celebrated the timeless hilarity of human quirks.
We Are Not a Robot is a live show where Hugh Dennis and Steve Punt share their observations about life, the news, and traffic jams, all delivered with their signature wit and humour. They also perform new jokes, keeping the material fresh and relevant, while reflecting on what they’ve learned from years of following the news for Mock the Week and The Now Show. Their insights are both sharp and relatable, making the show a perfect blend of nostalgia and contemporary commentary.
One of the consistent themes in The Now Show has been society’s relationship with technology. Punt and Dennis cleverly summed up the love-hate dynamic many of us share with the gadgets that dominate our lives. This theme carried seamlessly into their live performance, with sharp insights into how we interact with modern devices.
Throughout the evening, we were treated to a brilliant mix of old and new material. For long-time fans like Caroline and me, their nods to iconic sketches from the 1990s were a joyous trip down memory lane. A particular highlight was their call-back to the TV show sketch featuring the World of Wine expert, complete with Hugh Dennis’s unforgettable catchphrase, “Milky Milky,” shouted out loud to the delight of the audience. It was these nostalgic touches that made the night feel like a reunion with old friends.
Beyond the laughter, the evening was a reminder of why we love live comedy. There’s something magical about sharing a room with hundreds of strangers, all united in uncontrollable laughter. For me, it was also a chance to reconnect with Caroline over a shared love of comedy. As we walked out of the theatre, still chuckling at the night’s jokes, we both agreed that the evening had been the perfect tonic—a joyful escape from the everyday.
Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis’s return to the stage with We Are Not a Robot was nothing short of triumphant. Their ability to blend nostalgia with sharp, contemporary humour made for a show that was both heart-warming and hilariously relevant. If you ever get the chance to see these two in action, don’t hesitate. It’s a night of laughter you won’t soon forget.
