one4review | On 13, Aug 2013

If there is one word to describe James Acaster, it would be idiosyncratic. Most comedians have a show title which would have some bearing on their material, but apart from hearing a couple of music tracks in which lawnmowers are mentioned as we make our way to our seats, lawnmowers or even gardening never figure at all. At the outset, he states that his purpose for the show is to restore Yoko Ono’s reputation but for the first half of his gig, she never gets a mention.

Instead he tells stories of his likes including Mexican folk music, and why the American term for the ordinary man in the street John Doe is much more interesting than the British term Joe Bloggs. Later he does get into his main topic of the undeserved criticism Yoko Ono has received for causing the break-up of The Beatles. He cleverly weaves into his story the steadfastness of the band of the Titanic who didn’t break up along with throw away lines referencing back to his early material.

His delivery for the most part is relaxed, rambling, and even deadpan, with the occasional burst of energetic action. His laughs come from his witty observations and word play. Not the most dramatic hour of comedy, but enjoyable and spellbinding as he builds up some pretty weird illusions

Reviewed by Ben

Pleasance Courtyard; 33

31 July to 25 August 2013 (not 13)

19.00 – 20.00

Fringe Programme Page Number: 103