Adorably spiky, wonderfully absurd, well-crafted comedy
Jin Hao Li has a dream. Well, three of them really, and they’re more like surrealist nightmares: he’s a plastic bag desperate to be used at the supermarket; a spider denied entry to a nightclub by a racist bouncer; and an anglerfish whose light has burnt out. These flights of fancy punctuate Swimming in a Submarine, weaving together anecdotes and musings loosely themed around growing up. Li’s unique comedic voice marries naïve absurdism with perfectly-crafted material, delivered with a spiky awkwardness which is as hilarious as it is unnerving.
As a child, Li dreamed of becoming a member of the Yakuza, drawn to their mix of politeness and violence. There’s something of this in the show: the soft-spoken Li affects a child-like whine onstage, but periodically snaps an acerbic comment about the depravity of western society, or a meta-commentary on why comedy is a waste of time. Stand-up rarely requires a jump scare warning, but Swimming in a Submarine delivers three.
Like this titular submarine, much of the show drifts through the depths of absurdity at a leisurely pace. But when it surfaces for air – with a sharp observation or audience interaction – the show is jolted forward, amplifying the weirdness of Li’s material. A joke-dense rap from the perspective of an apple leads into commentary about how easy it is to manipulate a comedy audience. It’s clear these jokes have been precisely engineered for maximum effect, and the pregnant pauses that characterise Li’s onstage demeanor are timed to perfection.
I first saw Li at the Greenwich Comedy Festival, where he stood out for his exciting and intricate material, and a pervasive sense of weirdness. Alternative comedy can struggle to sustain a solo show, but whilst Li’s biggest laughs are still achieved by extended flights of fancy, the set is anchored by smart one-liners and strong call-back gags. This demonstrates a real talent for comedy: the audience are at the edge of their seats, never quite sure what’s coming.
Swimming in a Submarine is primarily a showcase for Li’s craft, rather than a show with a substantial or meaningful message. When a discussion of racism rears its head towards its end, Li confidently veers back into the absurdity he’s most comfortable with. Sometimes, consistent laughs and a sideways glance at the world are all you want, and Swimming in a Submarine delivers this in spades.
That a comic who was a Chortle Student Comedy finalist just three years ago can deliver such an accomplished, self-assured show is remarkable. Li’s command of both the stage and his own comedic voice speak to a real skill and passion for stand-up, delivering an intricately crafted show with confidence. A clever, delightfully weird hour that’s well worth a watch.
Swimming in a Submarine plays at the Soho Theatre until 8th February. Tickets can be purchased here.