Hatred of humanity has never spread as much joy as it does in Jon Richardson’s new show. He is a comedian who has mastered the art of detailing a pathetic existence, revealing his flaws and foibles with such confidence and self-awareness that the audience cannot help but rejoice in them.
Richardson grapples with his natural instinct to become stressed and concerned about inconsequential elements in his life, whilst also resisting the desire to become too relaxed. Broadly speaking, he is looking for the middle ground between winding down the car window to spit at a traffic light that’s turned red and becoming a beggar, singing ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’ as a result of carefree recklessness.
His comic genius emerges in the form of animating all of our personal insecurities and our frustrations and aggravations where society and our fellow human beings are concerned. His ability to let his imagination run miles beyond any given situation or happening is the basis of all brilliant comedy. Notably here in his retelling of a regional news story about a Yorkshireman’s discovery of an alligator head on a Huddersfield nature path.
If he continues to open and indulge his Pandora’s Box of obsessions and compulsions then he is certain to cement his place as one of the nation’s most recognisable and, peculiarly, endearing comics. You would hug the lad if there was the smallest chance he wouldn’t vomit on you.
4/5
By Daniel Baird
