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Damian Robinson enjoys a smorgasbord of comedic observations with Jack Fox and friends at The Stand
Image by Adam Kennedy
As part of the Stand’s excellent New Directions programme – the platform for local talent to perform their debut show – tonight sees local lad Jack Fox perform his debut one-hour show Rolls Royce. Prior to Fox’s show, local comedian and New Direction executive producer, Lee Kyle, provides a quick twenty minute opening/tune-up. Mixing topics like Aqua’s appearance at Eurovision, the Sycamore Gap and growing up in Jarrow, Kyle’s sets is as varied and well thought out as usual, both engaging and connecting with the crowd.
A short turn around maintains the audience’s liveliness before Fox takes to the stage: cleverly entering the stage whilst delivering a very funny, self-knowing, collection of hip-hop rhymes. Spread across his 45-minute show, Fox takes a confident and lively approach to his performance, talking through topics such as long distance relationships, the culture of South Shields, and the challenges of following in his grandad’s comedic footsteps. At the heart of tonight it’s the comic, rather than the content, that shines – Fox’s onstage calm and confident demeanour making his delivery edgy and funny without tip-toeing into realm of insult or aggression. If Rolls Royce is the debut, then given this tight 45-minute set, Fox is one to keep an eye out on.
New Directions has two more shows on its current run with Sam Mayes and Kerris still to play The Stand. On tonight’s form both Fox and the New Directions programme are worth checking out.
