Sandi Toksvig’s post-lockdown tour Next Slide, Please is named after Chris Whitty’s catchphrase from the daily COVID briefings that already seem like a distant memory. However, in contrast to the dry and depressing graphs chronicling the relentless march of the virus, Sandi’s slides were full of joy, silliness and fun. There is no doubt that this British TV regular is overjoyed to be back out on tour, and that enthusiasm and joie de vivre are infectious, drawing us all in and making St David’s Hall feel as intimate as a group of friends catching up after a long absence to share silly stories.
Sandi shared with us some of her lockdown experiences, and newfound pleasures – forest bathing with her gorgeous dog Mildred, exploring hidden parts of London with her wife, and collecting books with incredibly silly titles. Memorable among these: Knitting With Dog Hair (better a sweater from a dog you know, than a sheep you’ve never met…), How To Talk To Your Cat About Gun Safety and Pet Goats And Pap Smears.
Very much a fan of audience participation, Sandi presented those who shared their lockdown adventures and new hobbies with a pencil, while the winner of the yes/no quiz went home with a funsize Danish chocolate bar called Plopp. It’s amazing what people will do for free stationery…
As you’d expect from the host of QI, we were treated to an abundance of interesting facts, many pertaining to real-life unsung heroines of yore. Sandi considers women to be “the greatest race of underdogs in history” and is determined to uncover and share the stories of exceptional women who often had their discoveries and achievements attributed to the men they worked alongside. Meanwhile, she also presented some fascinating facts about Cardiff. Who knew that Death Junction, where Crwys, Albany and City Road meet, is so named not due to the traffic but because it is on the site of an execution field?
All in all a funny, interesting and – in Sandi Toksvig’s own words – “silly and childish” evening, which culminated in the entire audience pretending to conduct Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.
St. David’s Hall, Cardiff, Mon 16 May
words SARAH EDWARDS
Advertise with us.
We have a range of options across print and digital.
