one4review | On 21, Aug 2023

Whilst Don Biswas doesn’t think he has what it takes to start a revolution, I think this chap does. Not only do I think he could start one but could also sustainably run one; for how long I am not so sure.

The politically charged comedian, who is also not afraid to say words like ‘autism’ and ‘dyspraxia’ displays some fine self-deprecation and clumsy but true critiques on current affairs. Don leads us into a collective chortle at his witty observations on life as we know it in the modern age.

The stand-up comic, who has performed on BBC Radio 4 and the Asian Comedy Network, awkwardly looks you in the eye. But, with a little explanation on how autism works, he’ll happily just be himself rather than wasting energy on fitting in (or masking, which some will relate to).

Like so many neurodivergent geniuses Don’s life hasn’t been all jovial jokes and acceptance from those close around him. He highlights that procrastination is a big part of the diagnoses, and this in turn influences mental health and self-worth; something I and so many others can relate to.

A part of making it in life is creating a team, so Don probes the audience for what skills and talents we may have to help with his revolution. He decides whether there is a need for marketing staff in a revolution; apparently and according to Don, there will be a need for them. There was a radiologist and an orthopaedic surgeon in the crowd, and they rightly won a place in the revolution.

I’m sure this show was meticulously scripted, rehearsed and probably also meant Don experienced a few autism-burn-out-days. But Don has a knack of delivering a very natural and comfortable show along with great crowd-work.

Don continues to push us through conscription for his revolution. All the while his Indian mother sits at home in Wimbledon wondering when Don will ever become a doctor. Once he’s finished poking fun at himself on being forgetful and losing his keys and suchlike, he hits us once again with some smart lines on the current state of our island.

While his search for useful people continues, he asks if anyone else has ADHD. I raised my hand, and he asks, ‘how is it for me’, I replied with ‘sorry, what?’. This retort (I think) won me points for my place in the revolution – he said it was quite funny.

I urge anyone who likes to hear the political retort alongside some excellent comedy to go along and see Don Biswas’s show. He truly is an excellent ambassador for all neurodivergent performers and shows a great potential to make you howl with laugher through any organised or disorganised revolution.

*****
Reviewed by Jen
Gilded Balloon Patter House – Snug
August 21-27 at 2130