Jimeoin has moved up-market this year to the salubrious Palms at Crown Casino, but he’s still not too classy to do his own introduction. Befitting the nightclub venue, with its ads for ancient upcoming acts such as the Bay City Rollers, Jimeoin danced his way on stage to Donna Summer’s disco hit “Hot Stuff”. He did not, however, rip off his shirt. Nor did he explain the piano on stage.
Some comedy shows are educational and probe the big issues of our lives. This is not one of those shows. Here, there’s comfortable nostalgia and silliness. Jimeoin ponders the fate of an itchy T-Rex as readily as he discusses the circumstances of his marriage.
Jimeoin delves into the mundane for his humour. From witty observations to stories, he excels at finding fun in situations we relate to, such as the joys of bin night. Sometimes, he deftly misdirects us. Lulled into that relaxed amusement of a familiar kind of tale, there’s extra impact when suddenly he hits the audience with an unexpected punchline.
Words, laughter, mumbling, or even just a glance — he can use any of these to set the whole audience laughing. Yet he doesn’t even need to speak. Jimeoin’s face is like an owl’s. He can contort it and turn it into so many expressions, every one of them funny.
Jimeoin’s show is so enjoyable that the 2 hours (including a 20-minute intermission) fly by. He’s been packing them in this year, so grab tickets to the last show while you can. And be sure to turn up on time, lest your method of approach to your seat be analysed in great detail.
– Craig
Craig Macbride would like to be able to write this review entirely with facial expressions, but doesn’t have Jimeoin’s talent.
Jimeoin – The Ridiculous runs Fri and Sat until 20 April at The Palms at Crown Casino.
The venue is accessible.
Read our guide to the top shows, and all of our 2018 MICF coverage.
