‘Unbroken’ is a hectic, fast-paced, hour with a phenomenal comedian. Jason Byrne’s heart may not be as stable as it once was but that doesn’t seem to slow him down. He throws caution to the wind in this ridiculous hour of physical comedy and quick-witted banter.
Being late to this show could seriously change the course of your evening as almost all of Byrne’s set is based around the involvement of his audience. Nobody is safe as he hilariously dismantles the British Isles place by place (and best hope you’re not American). Conversations with the crowd are painfully funny and heading into the second half of the performance, don’t be surprised if you become a part of it, joining the crazed Irishman on stage.
I cannot say that you will see a show anything similar to what I did, as it seems like even Jason seldom knows what is coming next at any point. But this improvised style of comedy leads to thunderous laughter as Byrne’s natural hilarity carries this whole show. His wit is second to none, even if it is exceedingly daft. And I will never forget when he called an R.A.F pilot “wanky wings”.
It’s few and far between but when Byrne does perform his stand-up routine, he smashes that as well. Discussing the nature of the Celtic islands, he gets into religion in which everyone ends up looking a bit silly. There’s not a serious bone in Byrne’s body and his written jokes are just as eccentric as the rest of the time he spends accosting his fans.
Byrne utilises a lot of props during this show. The crowd essentially become his puppets of mass hysteria, dressing them up and embracing the awkwardness that follows. The room were crippled by laughter at the overt homoeroticism and that was before the Village People entered the fray. But as a result of moving at the great speeds he does, Byrne does has a tendency to get distracted from a plot, leaving many plates spinning and a few toppling.
I won’t say this is a life-changing show with a wonderful message. But if you are willing to switch off and watch some damn funny comedy, Jason Byrne is your man.
Jason Byrne: Unblocked
19:30 at Underbelly McEwan Hall (Venue 302)
August 3 – 15, 17 – 21, 23 – 28
