Scott Bennett: Blood Sugar Baby | Cheltenham Playhouse Theatre | 22/07/2025
We all go through changes in our lives, especially during times we feel unhappy and when we feel sad but not everyone writes a 75 minute comedy show about the experience. Hubristic northern powerhouse Scott Bennett has forged an engaging, entertaining and elucidating show framed around his daughter’s serious medical condition. Unlike most of England’s penalty shoot outs this story has a happy ending…
Great Scott, the man is “not a psychopath!”
Blood is thicker than water, as we know, and Bennett’s immediate family were front and centre in the joke fuelled evening. As his new born daughter lay limp and passive in his hands, not even Bennett would have realised his first born would become his comedic muse. Surely? Thankfully, the sulky teenager has now amassed a growing crockery collection in her room and surgically implanted earphones to block out her family. The laughter of familiarity rose up to the five arches supporting the roof of the Cheltenham Playhouse. The unconditional kindness of his Father-in-law was explored for comedic worth – and the later hilarious punchline didn’t…quite…take off the roof. Bennett’s Father was roasted for offering his monumental life advice, regarding how to be taken seriously, with the homily… “always wear a tie”.
Sugar coated lives, as we know, do not exist; yes, some are more privileged than others and Bennett is keen to point these out. Regency Cheltenham was subjected to a “rough towelling down” for some of its perceived entitlement. Greeted with knowing chuckles the Playhouse crowd can laugh at themselves. The comedian’s family were also provided with their own privileges: a private jet to Berlin courtesy of the NHS, a chance meeting with a gaggle of United players on the ward and, of course, the chance to stay in a Macdonald’s sponsored respite home, replete with full sized plastic model of the clown (sic). The stand-up did not take these privileges for granted, instead mined them for guffaws that followed unconditionally. Only a few appreciated the significance of Wayne Rooney popping into the geriatric ward.
Gordon Bennet! The comedian also name checked the far from privileged Richard Pryor, who grew up in a brothel. Bennett clearly takes his craft and comedy seriously.
BabyOlivia is 15 now and thankfully the challenges of her earlier life are behind her. Much of the intense emotion of the moment was redacted on the night (Bennett always remained seated for the periods of pathos) as the comedy was the driving force. Smuggling bottles of Blossom Hill into hospital was his coping strategy for his daughter’s lowest point…“apparently you can sneak x3 small bottles in, up your sleeve.” As we know, tragedy can inspire great art and tawdry actions.
We all have seismic moments in life that change us forever. Do you know where you were when you learnt Ozzy Osbourne had died? Do you recall where you were when the Lionesses went through to the final of the 2025 Euros? We were enjoying another night out in Regency Cheltenham Playhouse totally enthralled by Blood Sugar Bay presented by Scott Bennett. Moreover, I wish I had worn a tie.
To help out a highly deserving cause and to help an essential fundraising campaign at the Cheltenham Playhouse please visit its Just Giving page
By: Swilgate Scuttler
Ps I truly hope Sarah Callaghan, the support for the evening, secures the recognition and reward for her comedic and poetic qualities. Honest. Unique. Coruscating.
Pps Dave on the front row, may your wife return from the Maldives and your marriage remains intact.