| 08 August 2011
Shock and Ahhh! is one of those rare comedies that leaves you feeling all warm and sentimental as you pop your brolly for the walk home through the Edinburgh rain—cue the “Ahhh!” The ‘shock’ part of the title, on the other hand, is somewhat misleading.
Dealing immediately with general topics to break the ice, the first few minutes of Regan’s act pass slowly. He extracts many laughs but none of much substance. However, after ten minutes Regan is comfortable in his stride and chooses to use only material that is exclusively his.
These personal anecdotes weave throughout the show to brilliant effect. The reminiscing over his performance at a high security prison, for example, had the audience shaking so violently with laughter they could probably have charged their phones. Likewise, his impersonation of his father during this year’s Eurovision song contest (“Come on the Jedwards!”), and his stint as a children’s TV presenter will tickle you pink. The Santa story, though—as by this point we have heard the details of his devastating year—wins the prize for bolstering Regan’s already disarmingly-nice-bloke image out of the stratosphere.
Such neat and particular stories hold the show together and give it a genuine heartfelt touch. Though the gags won’t have you busting a gut, this show will leave you humbled and entertained.
Jarlath Regan: Shock and Ahhh!, Gilded Balloon Teviot, 3-29 Aug (not 16), 7.00 pm
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