Suzanne Hawkes of the British Theatre Guide saw Looking For Me Friend at the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich on March 7th and posted this review:

“Victoria Wood, much loved comedienne, writer and entertainer, got her big break on the TV talent show New Faces in 1974 which led to an incredible career that lasted until her early death from cancer in 2016.

On the way, she gathered a huge following of fans who have kept her memory alive—and Looking For Me Friend is a tribute from one of the most dedicated of those fans.

Paulus (aka Paul Martin ) has had a 30-year career in show business himself in a variety of genres, coming to prominence in 1999 as drag act Trinity Million and going on to a career on stage and TV, but he is very famous on the cabaret circuit, especially in London, and as presenter of TVs All Together Now.

He attributes his love of show business to discovering the genius of Victoria Wood when he was only 10 years of age though her TV performances, and so this show is as much the story of his journey as it is a journey through the music of Wood herself.

Joined on stage by his long-term friend and collaborator musician Michael Roulston, this show is not Paulus trying to be Victoria Wood (apart from a very small skit at the opening of the second half). This is more his tribute to her through the interpretation of some of her most famous songs such as “It Would Never Have Worked”, “Reincarnation” and “Political Correctness gone Mad”, and some more poignant ones including two written especially for her friend and fellow acting partner Julie Walters, and one of the few she wrote from a man’s perspective as a husband makes breakfast for his wife only to realise he said goodbye to her the day before in hospital.

Paulus is an engaging entertainer and obviously loves both Victoria Wood and her work, and that love comes across in his performance of the songs which are crisp and clear with a glittery spin. There is a little bit of banter between him and his pianist and some anecdotes from his early life growing up in Kent and his first steps into the entertainment industry, but on the whole, this is an evening showcasing Victoria Wood’s talent as a writer of comic songs that serves to remind you what a talent she was and in some ways to want to go back to finding old YouTube videos of her performing them herself.

An entertaining evening that the New Wolsey audience lapped up, finishing with probably her most favourite song, “The Ballad of Freda & Barry (Let’s Do It)”, all eight glorious minutes of it!

The show is on a nationwide tour, so catch it if it comes to a venue near you.”

Paulus joined The New Wolsey Theatre podcast for a chat about his fabulous new show ‘Looking For Me Friend‘.

Listen to it here:

“The show, with 5 star reviews, is dedicated to legendary Victoria Wood with more than 20 of her songs from her incredible repertoire.

Paulus talks about his life long adoration for Vic, as he calls her. He never met her, although nearly did, and – well,… you can listen to the story – he tells it better than us!

Chatting from his home in London, and in the company of his cat, Paulus talks about the show in detail; what fans can expect, and how he and his colleague, have developed a perfect stage moment which captures so much of her talented songs and work….. Yes they’ll be some of her much loved characters in there.

Looking For Me Friend is no tacky copy-cat act, Paulus lets loose the show’s content through his own personality and style – and the combination of his humour and addictive delivery makes this show a stand-out – for everyone to enjoy – you definitely don’t need to know about Victoria Wood to see this show – but we guess you will know an awful lot about her, and the awesome Paulus, when it’s over!

★★★★ ‘If you are a fan of Wood, or simply feel the need for some uplifting, live entertainment, then this is a must see.’”

Musical Theatre Review

Thank you Paulus for a perfect 20 minutes of your time!

Book Looking For Me Friend at the New Wolsey Theatre here (7 March 2023):
See the whole tour here. (Runs across the UK till 20 May 2023)”

“A musical tribute to a much-loved comedian is being performed at Beccles Public Hall and Theatre in April.” reports Bruno Brown in the Eastern Daily Press. Tickets available at www.becclespublichall.co.uk.

“Looking For Me Friend: The Music of Victoria Wood is a tribute to the comedian, actress, lyricist, singer, composer, pianist, screenwriter, producer and director.

It celebrates her unforgettable characters and songs.

The show was written and will be performed by Paulus The Cabaret Geek, an entertainer who specialises in cabaret and is best known for his appearances on BBC1’s All Together Now as a talent judge.

His musical tribute to Ms Wood premièred in London in 2020.

He said: “The Music of Victoria Wood is a show filled with love, laughter, and fabulous memories for Victoria Wood fans.

“But don’t worry – those unfamiliar with the work of Vic will love the show too – it’s like a beginner’s guide to all things Victoria Wood.”

Looking For Me Friend: The Music of Victoria Wood is being performed at Beccles Public Hall and Theatre on Thursday, April 13, at 7.30PM.

Tickets are on sale now for £16.50 per person.

Tickets can be booked via www.becclespublichall.co.uk or on 01502 770060.”

“The wit and wisdom of the late lamented Victoria Wood is celebrated in a touring show, Looking For Me Friend, which has two dates in the south west as part of its 27 venue UK tour”, reports The Fine Times Recorder. Ticket links here for shows on the UK tour.

“It is performed by Paulus, otherwise known as the Cabaret Geek, and comes to The Wardrobe Theatre in Bristol on 14th February and to Salisbury Playhouse on 25th February.

Based on the music and lyrics of the great comedian and sorely missed national treasure, the show is directed by Sarah-Louise Young.
and includes a procession celebration of Wood’s unforgettable characters, songs and sketches and the power of friendships forged through laughter. From Mrs Overall to Barry and Freda, everyone is there.

There’s live accompaniment from pianist Michael Roulston*. For more information contact either of the theatres.”

* Michael Roulston is not the pianist for all of the show dates listed.

New Valley News has reported that Looking For Me Friend: The Music of Victoria Wood, writer and performer Paulus’s celebration of the music of the late comedy genius and national treasure, will play at Salisbury Arts Centre on Saturday, February 25 2023, at 7.30pm. Ticket link here for this show and other shows on the UK tour.

Written and performed by Paulus (BBC1’s All Together Now and ‘King of Cabaret’ The Stage) and directed by multi-award-winning cabaret artist Sarah-Louise Young, the show is filled with love, laughter and fabulous memories for Victoria Wood fans as well as the ultimate ‘beginner’s guide’ for audiences new to her work.

Many of Victoria’s best-loved songs through the decades are featured in the nostalgic evening of entertainment, including ‘It Would Never Have Worked’, ‘Reincarnation’ and, of course, the classic ‘Ballad of Barry & Freda (Let’s Do It)’, as well as some of her lesser-known and more poignant compositions.

The highly acclaimed Musical Director Michael Roulston* joins Paulus on stage, proving what many have known for decades: that it takes two men to do the work of one woman – half as well!

* Michael Roulston is not the pianist for all of the show dates listed.

Bristol 24/7 reports on Paulus’ forthcoming Looking For Me Friend show at the Wardrobe Theatre in Bristol on February 14th. Click here for the ticket link to this show and other dates on the UK tour.

As Sarski Anderson writes, “Paulus, otherwise known as ‘The Cabaret Geek’, has long been a powerhouse in the London cabaret scene, finally coming to mainstream in the BBC One show All Together Now.

His nostalgia-filled music tribute to the much-missed comedian Victoria Wood premiered in London in 2020. It has now evolved into the touring show Looking For Me Friend: The Music of Victoria Wood, which comes to The Wardrobe Theatre on February 14.

Paulus is joined on stage by acclaimed musical director, Michael Roulston, and multi-award-winning cabaret artist Sarah-Louise Young directs.

For Wood fans, there is a huge amount to look forward to – with many of her best-loved songs through the decades peppered through the evening, including It Would Never Have Worked and the Ballad of Barry & Freda (Let’s Do It), as well as lesser-known works.

And for those new to the style of musical comedy that Wood made famous, the show serves as the ultimate introduction.

Paulus himself has been a devotee since childhood. “I think I was 10 years old when I first saw Victoria on television,” he recalls. So what exactly was it that drew him to her?

“In the 80s, Victoria’s look on television was very androgynous. She chose to wear jeans, men’s shirts, men’s blazers, and she had spikey hair like myself. I thought it was just tremendous to see someone on television who was playing their own game, especially on a channel like the BBC in a time when for me being different – being other – was hard.

“I think Victoria has always spoken to outliers somehow. She seemed to be more interested in celebrating the elasticated waist than the new skinny celebrity that had just hit our airwaves – what would now be our social media – and I just think she tuned in really well to the things that most of us worry about and experience on a daily basis: tea bags, oven gloves, or digging fluff out of the tumble dryer.

“Life is full of tiny little annoyances, but also tiny little miracles. I think Victoria knew how to find that joy and share it with other people.

“When I’m doing the show, I look to diminish any barrier between myself and the audience who are all not after all there to see me, but because they love Victoria. If Michael and I can share that love and celebrate her with them, keeping ourselves out of the equation almost, then hopefully we have done our job properly.”