There’s nothing specifically wrong with Michael McIntyre’s joke: they are performed with professionalism and even managed to raise the occasional titter. The problem is that there is nothing in the show that hasn’t been done before. The girlfriend jokes, the picking out people from the audience as a bit of time filler (and an excuse for lack of material), it all just feels outdated, as other Fringe acts are generally producing material more meaningful.
McIntyre’s delivery is competent, although a lot of his punch lines are followed by a ridiculous smug grin which contorts into a gargoyle like grimace as he congratulates himself for completing another joke. Audience members seem to be divided between loving and loathing him and many would no doubt disagree on my review.
It’s not a case of not getting the jokes or misunderstanding them, it’s more a case of expecting more from McIntyre act at the Fringe. If you want some safe, inoffensive laughs then this show is for you. If you want to see something innovative and different, with any kind of meaning or political content, give it a miss.
2/5
Becky Stone
