We were privileged to assist Manuel Martinez at the Hammersmith Apollo as his official box carrier and picture taker. He was live in a sell-out Apollo special, on the bill after Jo Brand and Dara ó Briain. After him, was the elegant Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

Manuel is in his guise as the Quantum Mind Reader in Professor Brian Cox’s (and Robin’s) special Christmas live at the Apollo. He pulled Jim Al-Khalili OBE on stage into his act after being introduced on stage by comedian Robin Ince who co-hosts Radio 4’s ‘Infinite Monkey Cage’. Manuel had flown in from Grenada after leaving the Azura and was up at 5 am, to fly back to St. Lucia to join the Britannia. It is at sea that these 1000-seater theatres now tempt the best entertainment. As Manuel Martinez, the cruise ship comedian (& magician) – Hailing from Havana, Cuba, Manuel Martinez is the number one export after cigars. Dispatched by the Cuban presidency, Manuel Martinez is Cuba’s diplomatic ambassador of comedy. An act that is as comical, witty, outrageous, and unpredictable as any I have seen. It is an act you will not forget, even if you forget the excellent singers and other entertainers, this act is unique and self-effacing. BA say his luggage may follow him; it was lost on the way to the UK.

Gary joined us for an in-depth interview which features in our podcast series.

Have you seen this great comedian? Let us know on the chat group (see main home page).

 Find out more about the entertainers working at sea ON BOARD ENTERTAINMENT  join their Facebook Pages and & please share with your friends.

 

He is also an actor, when there is time, and recently appeared in the offbeat drama Shades Of Bad. He first three episodes were shot in a few hours while docked in Barcelona … what else do you do in a port you have seen a hundred times?