Narc. Magazine Online
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Jonathan Coll enjoys a varied show which touches on masculinity, war and Netflix’s Is It Cake
Andrew O’Neill is a comedian that I’ve personally kept an eye on for well over a decade now, having first seen them work their magic in an unassuming town hall in County Durham. They’ve come a long way since, bouncing into a national tour with their latest project GEBURAH. Having had one of 2023’s best showings at the Edinburgh Fringe, their latest musings make for one of the most enjoyable shows I’ve seen in years.
Not unexpectedly, there’s a political element woven throughout a set which touches on masculinity, war, the Royals and (most objectionable of all) Netflix’s Is It Cake. Jokes at the beginning of the set would be baffling at first, before paying off at the conclusion. Leading with the punchline is a bold move, but fortunately Andrew is talented enough to carry it off.
The show is absolutely fantastic, and thought-provoking without labouring the point. The political element forgoes worn, pithy asides about Boris Johnson’s proclivities and going in with much more substance. There’s a particular focus on housing and landlords, which ironically is a subject that seems very close to home, but there’s much more besides. I’m sure Andrew themselves would hate to be thought of as merely a ‘worthy’ comedian, so it’s just as well that they’re also absolutely hilarious too.
