Kieran Hodgson deserves to be more than just the sandwich guy
Kieran Hodgson: Voice of America is a hilarious and insightful comedy show that combines personal anecdotes, spot-on impressions, and cultural critique. Performed at Soho Theatre, Hodgson dissects the relationship between the UK and the US, exploring everything from his childhood perceptions of America to his more recent experience navigating American culture.
The show opens with Hodgson’s recounting of his brief role as “Sandwich Guy” in The Flash; a role that required him to master the American accent. He discusses the challenges he faced, setting the stage for his exploration of American culture. His British upbringing, marked by his parents (both teachers) regularly referring to anything American as “American rubbish”, adds a personal dimension to his commentary. This phrase becomes a recurring theme throughout the show, embodying his early skepticism about American culture.
Hodgson’s storytelling takes the audience on a journey, beginning with his reflections on childhood heroes like the characters in Independence Day and Home Alone. He then contracts these impressions with later experiences including a hilarious encounter with the American cultural elite at an opera in NYC.
One of the show’s key strengths is Hodgson’s ability to slip in and out of impersonations of iconic figures. His take on George W. Bush, with his signature Bushisms, is both hilarious and critical, encapsulating the “dumb-America” stereotype that dominated the Bush era. The impersonations serve as a vehicle for Hodgson’s political commentary, where he critiques American culture and politics.
Hodgson’s Donald Trump impression, initially something he didn’t want to include, becomes a poignant and surprising climax to the show. Starting with reluctance, Hodgson’s Trump impersonation builds throughout the performance, ending on a reflective note that gives emotional depth to the otherwise lighthearted routine.
While the show is generally strong, the pacing slows down towards the latter half. The
introspective moments, particularly when Hodgson reflects on his experiences and his
personal hesitations about embracing American culture, can feel slightly drawn out.
However, these moments add emotional depth to the show and balance the humour, making it feel more well-rounded.
Kieran Hodgson: Voice of America is a brilliant blend of sharp satire, political commentary, and personal storytelling. Through his hilarious impressions of Bush, Thatcher, and Trump, Hodgson delivers plenty of laughs while exploring deeper themes of cultural identity and the UK’s relationship with the US. His love for American films adds a nostalgic touch, while his personal anecdotes and interactions with this American agent provide a humorous and relatable perspective on the American experience. Voice of America is a must-see for anyone interested in comedy that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.