intriguing blend of physical and poetic comedy
Theo Mason Wood has been going through a break-up and he wants to talk about it. Emma has left him after he prioritised a gig at Las Iguana’s Taco Tuesday over her, and he was left bereft.
In a show covering poetry, freewheeling and surreal stories, a smattering of risque jokes, some work of the imagination, physical comedy and even a harmonica at one point, this is an unusual blend which has potential to be something really unique – as Theo himself notes, the venn diagram of his work and traditional comedy doesn’t exist, the twain are yet to meet. I think this is a slightly unfair assessment – but it’s true, this isn’t a typical stand-up hour.
He has a talent for surrealist story-telling, which is apparent from the start – a memorable date encounter in the park, and the telling of “the Yoghurt Story” which is the one that will probably be the most recalled section of the show (this is also available on YouTube, but missing a hypnotic physical movement present in the live show), but my particular favourite was “My Life Is Perfect” as a life disintegrates around him.
The parts between his stories and poems do feel a bit lacking in comparison, and tended to elicit some groans more than laughter.
Tonight’s crowd was a particularly whispery/chatty one (Theo clearly regretting some flyering decisions made prior to the show) and in an over-hot room, which probably muted some reactions more than deserved. The introduction of his new girlfriend Natalie was somewhat ponderous, and at this point the audience attention span was flagging, but somewhat came together at the end with a rather convoluted throwback.
Theo’s clearly talented, and his combination of wide-eyed physicality and story-telling in this hour feels fresh, and unique, with potential to develop further. If you’re looking for something that doesn’t conform to the traditional stand-up format, this is a show worth checking out. Theo Mason Wood: Legalise Kissing runs until 24 August, at 22:00 at Underbelly Bristo Square.
Tickets can be bought from: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/theo-mason-wood-legalise-kissing