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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
Jackson’s Way
Verdict: Derivative, paper-thin
London - Gielgud Theatre - Sunday 24th October 2004 - 19:30
This reviewer saw the winner of the Perrier Award for Comedy 2004 after he had been crowned (writes Ella Lockwood) - but failed to understand why he deserved it.
Jackson ( Will Adamsdale) is a motivational speaker from the States who instructs the audience on his theory - The Jackson’s Way. It’s a concept which asserts that if everyone accepted that all pointless acts are ‘point-full’, they’d be happier and more fulfilled.
He encourages the audience to accomplish as many pointless acts as possible. Though it is impossible to place a hand in two places at once, it should be attempted. The show runs through different methods of realizing pointless acts in everyday life in order to achieve.
Jackson’s Way has only one joke - the ridiculousness of Jackson himself, and the futility of his concept. This may be a nicely performed gag, but it doesn’t constitute enough entertainment for an entire show.
Will Adamsdale doesn’t develop Jackson into a fully-rounded being – there’s nothing more known of him than his occupation as a motivational speaker. Once the show is over, Jackson ceases to exist - and it’s difficult to remember what made him funny.
Jackson’s Way is far from an original concept. Neil Mullarkey’s spoof motivational speaker, L Vaughan Spencer, has cringe-worthy authenticity aided by Mullarkey’s well-constructed show - Don't Be Needy, Be Succeedy – Edinburgh 2002, (FR Awards 2003 – Best Satire). Conversely, Jackson’s Way is relentlessly long and made to seem all the more so by its rambling construction.
Will Adamsdale retains self-awareness throughout his act. This impedes the audience from truly believing his creation – it’s simply sharing his joke. And when Will Adamsdale interacts with the audience, he laughs far too hard - dropping Jackson’s persona.
It would be easier to suspend one’s disbelief if Will Adamsdale had an accurate American accent. Words such as ‘vase’ betray his middle-class English identity and blow his cover.
Political events in 2004 have yielded ample material for biting satire – character comedy has never been so creative and uninhibited. So the Perrier decision to highlight Jackson’s Way as Edinburgh 04’s most accomplished and exciting show seems bewildering. It is a derivative, paper-thin concept, performed by an actor who is not a natural comedian.
Cast Credits: Written & performed by Will Adamsdale. Technical operator - Venue staff.
END
(c) Ella Lockwood 2004
reviewed Sunday 24th October 2004 / Gielgud Theatre
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
