Last night I headed over to The Lowry’s Quays Theatre in Salford Quays for Ruby Wax’s new show, “Absolutely Famous,” and it felt less like watching a performance and more like being invited into a gloriously unfiltered conversation.
We had front row seats, which made it feel even more like we’d been dropped into the middle of a live TV recording – every expression, every side‑eye and every tiny reaction was right there in front of us.
From the moment I walked into the Quays Theatre, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a big flashy production. The space is intimate, and that really works in Ruby’s favour – you feel close enough to catch every raised eyebrow and mischievous grin. The stage was simple: two high stools, a little side table and some retro TV screens glowing against pink, blue and purple lighting. It gave off cosy living‑room‑meets‑late‑night‑chat‑show vibes, which is exactly the mood for the evening.
The premise: fame under the microscope
“Absolutely Famous” is Ruby looking back at her years of interviewing some of the most famous – and sometimes infamous – people on the planet. Think the classic “Ruby Wax Meets…” era, when she’d dive into the worlds of huge celebrities and political figures and ask the kind of questions most presenters wouldn’t dare. Instead of just rolling old clips, she uses them as jumping‑off points: what was really happening in the room, what got cut, and how she feels about it all now with the benefit of hindsight.
She’s joined on stage by her long‑time producer and collaborator Clive Tulloh, and their chemistry is half the fun. Clive is the calm, gently teasing counterbalance to Ruby’s fast, fiery energy. Together they pick apart the madness of those interviews – the egos, the awkward moments, and the sheer surreal nature of being in a room with people the rest of us only ever see on screen. There were recollections of her conversations with Donald Trump (when asked if she would like to meet him again she said “only with a shotgun” 😂 and flashbacks with Joanna Lumley, Carrie Fisher who became a lifelong friend, Tom Hanks, Pamela Anderson, Imelda Marcos and the like. She also showed her meeting with the Spiritual leader Ram Dass who changed her life. Ruby has cited Ram Dass as a profound influence on her life, particularly regarding her understanding of mindfulness, consciousness, and the acceptance of pain.
Old fans, new fans
One of the things that really stood out is how well the show works whether you’ve followed Ruby for decades or only discovered her recently through I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here. She nods to that jungle experience and the way it introduced her to a whole new audience, but never leans on it as a gimmick – it just becomes another layer in her very chaotic, very colourful CV.
For long‑time fans, the night feels like catching up with a familiar, much‑loved voice, filling in the juicy details behind interviews you might remember from TV. For newer fans who know her more as a recent reality‑TV favourite, it’s a brilliant crash course in just how bold, funny and fearless she’s always been. The mix of generations in the audience really added to the atmosphere, with everyone laughing in all the same places.
Laugh‑out‑loud moments and sharp observations
This isn’t just a nostalgic clip show. Ruby still has that razor‑sharp timing, and the stories behind the scenes are often even funnier than what made it onto TV. There are proper belly laughs as she describes the chaos that went on just off camera, the outrageous demands, and the moments where she pushed things a bit too far (or not far enough).
What makes the show more interesting is the way she now reflects on fame itself. She doesn’t just tell stories – she pulls them apart, asks what they say about power, insecurity and the way we idolise people who are, in the end, just human. One minute you’re laughing at a ridiculous anecdote, the next you’re nodding along to a surprisingly honest observation about mental health, self‑image or the pressure of always performing.
Book signings and The Lowry atmosphere
Seeing this at The Lowry really added to the experience. The Quays Theatre is big enough to feel like an event but small enough to keep that feeling of being “in on it”.
The lighting design, with glowing colours and those retro TVs, gave the stage a warm, nostalgic feel, like cracking open an old photo album – except this one talks back and swears occasionally.
Another lovely touch was that Ruby did book signings in the interval and again after the show. It meant fans could actually meet her, have a quick chat and get a book signed while everything was still buzzing around in their heads. From the front row, then up close at the signing table, the whole evening felt very personal and generous – not just a show you watch, but one you feel part of.
The audience was completely up for it: gasps, big laughs and that lovely, quiet focus when the conversation turned a bit more serious. It felt like everyone relaxed into it together, and Ruby clearly feeds off that energy. There’s a sense that no two nights will be exactly the same, which makes it feel special if you’re there in the room.
Spoiler‑free verdict
Without giving away specific stories, I’d describe “Absolutely Famous” as part comedy, part memoir and part group therapy session about our obsession with celebrity. If you’re expecting a traditional stand‑up set, this is something a bit different – more like being at a live, very honest documentary with a wicked sense of humour running through it.
If you’ve grown up watching Ruby Wax on TV, you’ll love the behind‑the‑scenes gossip and the chance to see her up close, still as quick and fearless as ever. If you’re newer to her and came because you enjoyed her stint in the I’m a Celeb jungle, you’ll leave with a real sense of the career, intelligence and nerve that got her there in the first place.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely, yes. It’s the kind of show you leave still chatting about in the car on the way home – comparing favourite stories, debating what fame does to people, and maybe even thinking a little differently about the people we put on pedestals. If “Absolutely Famous” comes back to The Lowry or tours near you, it’s well worth grabbing tickets for a night of sharp storytelling, big laughs and a generous dose of backstage gossip.
LCChaosandhome 