★★
There are lot of shows on at Greenside this year, where the subject is trauma to the penis. It is a strange coincidence, and shouldn’t prejudice any audience member, after all genitals are fair game!
Despite Joey Rinaldi’s accident being the advertising hook of the show, his comedy encompasses far more interesting subject matter. His Italian-American mother and how he speaks like a mobster despite being from Connecticut are particular highlights. His stuff on Catholicism and Noah’s Arc was probably the strongest stuff, despite the reaction from some religious audience members.
Sadly, and it is sad, because Rinaldi is a likeable and charismatic stand-up, he really embodies the underdog, but his stand-up set is mired in uneven, weak material and call backs to a story that fails to give us anything more than shock value.
I can’t fault Joey’s optimism and his delivery, and I do think he has potential, as a young stand-up in his late twenties, working on another Continent, takes balls, what an irony! Rinaldi’s craft as a stand-up shows promise, but he needs to get better material.
Potty Training with Joey Rinaldi Greenside @ Infirmary Street – Olive Studio 17:30 (50m) Aug 5-13, 15-20, 22-27 £12-10
