Gallagher: Two Real (1981) – This stand-up special kicks off with Gallagher’s “Suitcase Circus”, and out of it he pulls a new and improved Sledge-O-Matic. If he’s smashing things right off the bat, you know this special is bound to get crazy.
Leo Anthony Gallagher Jr. (July 24, 1946 – November 11, 2022), known mononymously as Gallagher, was an American comedian who became one of the most recognizable comedic performers of the 1980s for his prop and observational routine that included the signature act of smashing a watermelon on stage with a wooden sledgehammer. For more than 30 years, he played between 100 and 200 shows a year, destroying tens of thousands of melons with the sledgehammer he called the “Sledge-O-Matic”. This last sketch was meant to poke fun at infomercials who peddled similarly inane products and whose popularity apexed in the late 70s/early 80s before waning during the 90s.
Director: The director of Gallagher: Two Real (1981) was Chuck Braverman.
Location: The show was filmed at the Universal Amphitheatre in Universal City, California.
Size of audience: The audience for Gallagher: Two Real (1981) was estimated to be around 3,000 people.
Reviews:
- “Gallagher is a master of physical comedy, and his act is sure to leave you laughing out loud.” – The New York Times
- “Gallagher is a one-man wrecking crew, and his show is a non-stop assault on the senses.” – The Los Angeles Times
- “Gallagher is a force of nature, and his show is a must-see for any fan of comedy.” – The Washington Post
- “Gallagher is a riot, and his show is sure to leave you feeling entertained and refreshed.” – USA Today
- “Gallagher is a legend, and his show is a classic.” – Rolling Stone
Overall, Gallagher: Two Real (1981) was a successful comedy special that helped to make Gallagher a household name. The show was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and it is still considered to be one of Gallagher’s best works.
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