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drinks Monday 4 August 08
John Ryan
in
Stupid Monkey!
Verdict: Testicular stand-up
John Ryan has Irish charm, East London gift-of-the-gab - and he believes all men are stupid monkeys.
Why? Because they think with their balls. He emphasises this by fiddling with his throughout the set. Whether for his own pleasure or to make the point, it's done with style.
It's another cramped, sweaty venue, but expectation is high with an exuberant crowd. Latecomers beware - John Ryan tells them that there's been group discussion of sexual experiences and invites them to share.
John Ryan puts a mass of information into amusing anecdotes. Statistics on men's health breaks the ice - with the help of five male 'volunteers' from the audience. One man is the statistic for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and becomes the butt of several jokes. These include 'Would you shag a monkey?'. (He says yes). Apparently if you're right-handed your left testicle is bigger than the right. Ladies may care to test this later on their men.
Material tonight includes going to a fancy dress-party as a monkey and getting smacked by a pissed giant carrot; current affairs (his solution for Israel and Palestine is hilarious); the BNP (including a Jewish black Kylie). John Ryan is able to poke fun at these and other serious subjects. The story of Uncle Gus's distrust and dislike of doctors is very funny, even though it's about cancer.
Men are encouraged to check regularly for testicular cancer. Lemon and limes will never be the same again. He may pick on an individual, but doesn't humiliate. The humour is fun - hysterical at times; it's a pleasure.
Cast Credits (alpha order): Written and performed by John Ryan.
Company Credits: Technical Operation - Venue Staff. PR - Paul Sullivan. Management - Comic Voice Management.
END
(c) Lea Harris 2004
reviewed Thursday 12 August 04 / Pleasance Dome
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2008
