★★★
Donaldson gives us the visually impaired Geordie experience, complete with sarky pre-recorded audio description from an ‘actor who should’ve been paid more’. Yet for its integrated accessibility, it’s knowingly pitched at a sighted audience. This isn’t a criticism, but a feeling most disabled performers seem to feel compelled to incorporate into their material. It’s how we operate, with the feeling we must explain, give a reference ‘so you get it’.
Yet for all its exposition, Jake manages to subvert his own set-up with clever asides and set pieces. There are some lovely moments, especially with a thoughtful rumination on the fact there aren’t slurs toward the blind. This leads Jake to encourage the audience to shout out ideas. This is a challenge to the audience which I liked and would’ve liked more of. Jake’s delivery is charming, the way he talks about something as innocuous as going swimming or going to the gym, gets a great rise out of the audience.
There’s heart and vulnerability, and knowingly awkward ‘laddy humour, but I’m not quite a lad’ energy, which is endearing, but sometimes veers into the uncomfortable, something Jake admits ‘doesn’t fit with my persona’. I wonder if it’s the sign of a maturing comedian to see the seeds of a deeper pathos emerging out of some very silly jokes (and I love silly jokes). There was a real sadness around Jake’s describing of his social anxiety and those traps of comparing yourself to others (especially other visually impaired people). Ultimately it’s a delightful hour that entertains and gently provokes.
Jake Donaldson: Spectacle is on at Just The Tonic at The Mash House till August 25th.
