2011 Edinburgh Fringe
Jason Cook review
While the audience appear a bit restless at first in this sold-out sweat box of a venue, as soon as Jason Cook's introductory video begins and the laughter starts, everyone is put at ease, which is confirmed when Cook confidently strides out and begins chatting to his expectant crowd. He comes across as the most affable of comedians, quickly making the audience feel completely relaxed and willing to interact with him. This benefits the show greatly as the comic is able to work the crowd and their stories into his own narrative with great success, allowing each audience to feel the performance is personal to them. Having chatted with the audience for a while, Cook jumps in to the main thread of his show - exploring the five tenets of happiness.
His previous shows have been deeply confessional and, while this one deals with some highly personal moments, it seems to be slightly lighter in tone, looking for the positives from the start rather than seeing the positives in the dark. Regardless of tone, his ability to tell a story while creating a crescendo of laughter really is masterful. Much of this is thanks to his affectionate portrayal of his mum, who he presents as slightly mad but who Cook nonetheless credits with having a hand in the writing of this show.
Although there is a slight lull in the middle of the performance where the laughs die down a bit, this does not last for long and they quickly pick up again, with people gasping for breath and wiping tears from their eyes by the end. These are brought on by a series of strong stories which culminates in a surprising and skilfully structured pay off.
Jason Cook's self-confessed aim is to make 'uplifting, non-cynical' comedy - he claims that he does not need the audience's money to feel affirmed, merely their laughter. Whilst this is easy to say when you are playing to a sold out crowd, his sincerity seems completely honest and he comes across as a truly likeable person whose new show manages to epitomise the positive spirit that he encapsulates and, although not ground breaking, his new show is certainly heart-warming. If you are seeking happiness then seeing this show is a pretty good place to start.
Jason Cook - The Search for Happiness listing