one4review | On 05, Aug 2024

Something like 30 years ago I first encountered Mitch Benn, then a young graduate performing hilarious monologues interspersed with self-written satirical songs. Even back then you could tell he would go far, and he certainly did, being a mainstay on BBC Radios The Now Show for many years.
The World’s Cleverest Idiot, his 2024 show offering, follows much the same format, but it is a tried and tested formula, and it is as relevant today as it was back then.
Benn talks very quickly during the chat sections, well he has a lot to say and, and his pithy observations on a variety of topics are always worth listening to, be it politics, AI, family life anti-vaxers or appearances on TV quiz shows, he is a wordsmith of renown and a very funny one too.
But for me it is the man and his guitar, augmented with a few electronic gismos where he really shines. The songs are great, the topics wide ranging, and of course he delivers his annual lesson and demonstration of live looping, creating his backing track right in front of your eyes.
If you have seen him perform before, then go see him again, if you haven’t go treat yourself . I don’t think you will be disappointed.
4.5****
Reviewed by Geoff
Underbelly Jersey
16.00 to 17.00
Until 26th ( Not 12th)