Dan Tiernan is an absolute force of nature, in that if he was a cartoon and stood in front you delivering his show there would be huge chunks where your hair would be flying backwards as if in a gale. He’s also got a real gift for exposing that he’s more than the first impressions he makes. Curious, sensitive, playful, with a see-saw between nuance and enjoyable menace at times, Tiernan is open in a way that is both vulnerable and hugely connecting, with a good, practised, casual-seeming eye for punching the laughter-spots out correctly.
‘Quartz and All’ is a layered show in which Tiernan tells of – and demonstrates – his yearning desire to connect. His desire to connect to his audience with interactions, connect to a partner or to casual liaison, and connect to the world at large using the latest new hope in his life – a vast array of crystals. He looks after the crystals, bathes them, tends to them, all in the hope that they will deliver the protection and love he was promised when he bought them.. Even if the world is conspiring to evade such connections, whether it be through a wonky gaydar or new specs, his focus on that connection is endearing and laser.
“I’m lonely!” he shouts out, and it feels true. Luckily, so does the super-strong faith that this is passing. He’s endeavouring to change things for the better,. I, for one, can’t wait for the show in the Monkey Barrel about Dan Tiernan finding his first love.
Dan Tiernan: Quartz and All, 19.05, Monkey Barrel 1 at Monkey Barrel Comedy & CabVol1 at Monkey Barrel Comedy, 3-30 August (except 18th)
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/dan-tiernan-quartz-and-all
