William Hanson, the UK’s leading etiquette expert, takes a step out of the drawing room and onto the stage in Solitary Refinement, a one-man show that blends storytelling, humour, and surprisingly relatable insights into the world of modern manners. Known for his sharp wit and polished delivery on the podcast Help I Sexted My Boss and in his most recent best-selling book Just Good Manners, Hanson brings his signature charm to this theatrical outing, offering audiences a glimpse into the life and times of an etiquette expert.
The show defies categorisation—it’s not a book tour, stand-up routine, or etiquette seminar, though it borrows elements from all three. Instead, it feels like an intimate evening spent with a brilliant storyteller who’s as eager to poke fun at himself as he is to share the dos and don’ts of refined behavior. Hanson’s anecdotes, drawn from his career and personal life, are delightfully engaging, often laced with self-deprecating humour and razor-sharp observations. While some stories may be familiar to fans of his podcast, books or TV appearances, they’re delivered with fresh details and a flair that makes them feel new.
For those unacquainted with Hanson’s work—like my companion for the evening—the show is still a delight. Hanson’s ability to connect with the audience is exceptional. He strikes the perfect balance between charming host and mischievous provocateur, dishing out his trademark backhanded compliments with impeccable timing. His rapport with the crowd is warm and personable, inviting everyone into his world.
A large chunk of the second half was an interactive etiquette quiz involving two audience members. While this segment was extremely interesting, it occasionally suffered from a lack of structure as the participants spoke over each other, sometimes drowning out Hanson’s clever retorts. It’s a minor hiccup, but even this slightly chaotic moment felt in keeping with the show’s playful tone.
My take-home message from Solitary Refinement is Hanson’s nuanced approach to etiquette. Far from being a relic of a bygone age, his perspective is refreshingly progressive. He acknowledges that manners evolve with society, rejecting the notion that etiquette is about clinging to outdated traditions. Instead, he frames it as a tool for kindness, connection, and respect—a philosophy that resonates in a world that often feels anything but polite.
The show felt like a well rounded piece, especially considering that Birmingham was only the second of three stops on this short tour. Hanson’s narrative skill shines throughout, weaving humour and insight with grace and panache. Whether recounting the peculiarities of his daily life or reflecting on the pros and cons of his unique career, he keeps the audience captivated from start to finish.
Unfortunately, Solitary Refinement was a brief tour, and its run has now concluded. But Hanson’s foray into solo live theatre feels like the beginning of something special. With his charisma, storytelling prowess, and undeniable stage presence, he’s a natural fit for this format. Here’s hoping he brings the show back for a longer run—because this is one etiquette lesson you’ll be glad you didn’t miss.
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