Taskmaster at Glastonbury: A Hilarious Review of the Live Comedy Show
These days, Taskmaster has transformed into a comedic powerhouse, offering immersive live experiences and international adaptations, making it a crucial stepping stone for aspiring comedians. Despite its evolution, the core concept has remained intact since its humble beginnings on Dave: host Alex Horne devises delightfully quirky games for comedians to compete in, while Greg Davies serves as the often brutally honest judge. The show’s charming chaos is part of its allure.
This makes Taskmaster an ideal fit for Glastonbury, especially with Horne being a familiar face at the festival and a plethora of comedians available for participation. It’s surprising that a live version of the show hasn’t been attempted at Glastonbury until now. The debut took place in a packed Cabaret tent, with eager fans squished outside, peering in through the fire exit for a glimpse of the action.
The show kicked off with a hilariously off-key rendition of Starship’s "Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now," followed by a brief Q&A. The lineup featured returning favorites like James Acaster, Kerry Godliman, and Lou Sanders, alongside newcomers Richard Blackwood and the iconic Basil Brush. The opening game had contestants bring items they’d like to take home from Glastonbury—Acaster and Blackwood faced jeers for opting for "memories" and "a programme," while Godliman won hearts with "tie-dye knickers." The competition then unfolded with a series of classic games from previous Taskmaster episodes, including fan favorites like "Sausage or Finger" and "Pop on a Onesie in the Tent." Notably, Basil Brush delivered an unexpectedly agile performance of "Purple Rain."
The event was delightfully unpredictable, save for one awkward segment where contestants sought lookalikes from the audience, covered their heads with pillowcases, and presented them to Davies for judgment. Blackwood, quite reasonably, noted the lack of diversity in the audience and picked a small white child as his lookalike, which left Davies no choice but to award him full points. This moment was met with mixed reactions, illustrating the differences between the live show and the usual polished edits of a typical Taskmaster episode. Perhaps this is why Taskmaster has taken so long to make its Glastonbury debut.
As this live episode won’t be broadcast, we can reveal that Lou Sanders emerged victorious, excelling in both the Sausage and Onesie rounds. She celebrated her win with a handstand while Basil Brush performed "Purple Rain" once more—an unforgettable moment that is quintessentially Taskmaster.
Bashy’s Comeback Performance at Glastonbury
After a 15-year hiatus from Glastonbury, Bashy returned to the stage, blending his musical and acting careers. Known for his role in Top Boy, he made a powerful comeback with his award-winning album, Being Poor is Expensive, which reflects on his life in northwest London. His performance today was a captivating mix of personal storytelling and musical nostalgia, resonating with the audience.
Over dynamic hip-hop and grime beats, Bashy tackled pressing social issues affecting Black British communities and immigrants, captivating a dedicated crowd. His articulate lyrics addressed systemic racism and the challenges faced by his peers. Throughout the set, he showcased his oratorical skills, passionately speaking about the Windrush Generation and introducing his heartfelt track, "Made in Britain," featuring a sample of his grandmother’s voice.
Bashy’s performance was uplifting, as he reminisced about the music that shaped him, including hits like "You Don’t Love" by Dawn Penn. His authenticity shone through as he celebrated his return to Glastonbury, exclaiming, "It’s amazing to perform this here, it’s been 15 years, man!" It was a heartfelt comeback that resonated deeply with the audience.
Gracie Abrams: A Promising Yet Inconsistent Set
Gracie Abrams graced the Other Stage with her undeniable talent but left many wondering if her music could match her potential. Despite her popularity, particularly among younger fans, her set revealed a gap between her heartfelt performances and the strength of her discography.
Dressed stylishly in a burgundy outfit, Abrams showcased her ethereal vocals, particularly during her opening number, "Risk." The crowd connected with her, especially during her viral hit "That’s So True," which dominated the set. Yet, while her lyrics drew from relatable experiences, they lacked the punch of contemporaries like Taylor Swift or Olivia Rodrigo.
Abrams’ charm and stage presence kept the audience engaged, but the overall performance felt like it was missing that special spark. Her new, unreleased tracks hinted at a promising direction, but the set didn’t quite reach the emotional depths that many fans were hoping for.
Supergrass: Nostalgic Hits and Classic Performances
The iconic band Supergrass made their mark on the Pyramid Stage, celebrating the 30th anniversary of their debut album, I Should Coco. Their set, featuring a chronological playthrough of the album, delighted long-time fans while showcasing the band’s evolution.
Opening with hits like "I’d Like to Know" and "Caught By the Fuzz," the trio reminded the audience of their youthful energy. However, as the set progressed into the album’s back half, attention began to wane, despite the nostalgia. The lively closing numbers brought the crowd back, culminating in an electrifying performance of "Pumping on Your Stereo," leaving everyone in high spirits.
Lola Young: A Bold Performance Amidst Criticism
Lola Young’s performance at Glastonbury was a testament to her resilience in the face of public scrutiny. The British singer-songwriter, often the target of online mockery, delivered a captivating set that showcased her talent and confidence.
Dressed in a striking outfit, Young’s unique style and powerful voice resonated with the audience. Her songs tackled themes of love and heartbreak with honesty and bravado, showcasing her versatility. Tracks like "Wish You Were Dead" and "Don’t Hate Me" highlighted her ability to draw from personal experiences while engaging the crowd.
Young’s boldness shone through as she embraced her sexuality and used humor to deflect criticism. Her closing track, "Messy," drew an enthusiastic response from fans, proving that despite the challenges, she remains a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Fabio & Grooverider: A High-Energy Fusion of Classics
The legendary duo Fabio & Grooverider brought their unique blend of drum and bass to the Other Stage, accompanied by the Outlook Orchestra. Their performance paid homage to the genre’s history while infusing it with fresh energy.
Opening with classic tracks and crowd favorites, the duo engaged the audience with their infectious energy. The collaboration with the orchestra added a new dimension to their music, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The set’s structure allowed for a journey through the evolution of jungle and D’n’B, delighting fans old and new.
Myles Smith: Rising Star with a Captivating Performance
Myles Smith opened the day at Woodsies with an engaging performance that showcased his talent and charisma. Following a successful year, including a Brits rising star award, Smith’s set was filled with familiar tracks that resonated with the audience.
His upbeat acoustic renditions drew fans in, while his soulful vocals and stage presence made for an enjoyable experience. Despite some songs feeling impersonal, Smith’s connection with the crowd was undeniable, leaving attendees eager for his next performance.
John Glacier: A Unique Voice in the Music Scene
John Glacier captivated the audience with her distinctive flow and compelling stage presence. Her performance combined elements of hip-hop and introspective storytelling, drawing the crowd into her world.
Despite some technical difficulties, Glacier’s set shone through, showcasing her talent and creativity. The intimate connection with her DJ added a personal touch, making her performance a memorable experience for all.
Conclusion: Glastonbury 2025 Shines Bright
As Glastonbury 2025 unfolds, the festival continues to celebrate a diverse range of artists and styles. From established legends to emerging talents, each performance contributes to the vibrant tapestry of music and culture at Worthy Farm. With so much talent on display, the festival is primed for an unforgettable year.
