Some of the times I see this young comedian on TV I instantly have to switch over. Others, such as his incisive acting debut as public schoolboy JP in Channel 4’s ‘Fresh Meat’, I find him genuinely funny. I entered this show in a positive manner and wished that Whitehall could prove to me that he really is one of the nations top young comics.
The act details his trials and tribulations whilst growing up. These stories move from his dismay at fast food restaurants and reality TV right through to his old fashioned and un-loving father and Robin Hood obsession.
Hailing from just across Hammersmith Bridge in Barnes, Whitehall described his time at school- where fellow pupils included a certain Kate Middleton and Robert Pattinson. One of the family story highlights revolves around his mothers obsession over Kate Middleton and her disappointment that he didn’t manage to marry her. He also tackles the Middleton “commoner” tag by neatly describing his former school as making “Midsomer Murders look like The Wire”
After a short interval Whitehall came back with a rousing second half performance that included stories about his aforementioned Robin Hood obsession and his Father’s hatred towards his son wearing tights and roller skates. Another story centered on his creaky bed at his parent’s house with a line about Anne Frank’s parents receives an “oooooooohhhh” from the crowd, as opposed to a laugh- but shows that Whitehall is not afraid to offend in order to gain respect.
The most impressive thing about this show was not necessarily the updated jokes but more the method in which they were told. Long gone is the shouting and 'look at me' tone of voice. Whitehall still of course has his unashamedly middle class accent but he seems far more relaxed about his material and knows that the audience will love it.
After adding acting to his repertoire and making a leap in his stand-up, Jack Whitehall is a name that will be all over our TV screens and over Theatre doors for a long time. And this is one full time fan who is looking forward to it.
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