Review: Jason Cook at The Classic

Jason Cook's slick delivery echoes that of Ed Byrne. Photo / Supplied

Jason Cook's new comedy show comes with a disclaimer. It advises, in no uncertain terms, that those of a cynical disposition should avoid his show.

It would be more accurate to say those with no soul should avoid his show. Anyone else, regardless of how cynical, will find it impossible not to be moved by the Englishman's set.

The show is called Joy and is part of Cook's simple quest to bring a little happiness to the world. He's had a tough time of it lately - not helped by being part of the unluckiest family in the world - and is doing his best to focus on the positive, in a scathing sort of way.

Cook is not a pretender to the Tony Robbins crown. He is not an artificial, beaming, poster boy for the power of positive thought.

His humour still cuts and he has no qualms about making fun of other people - audience members included. Cook is far from vicious, but he doesn't sugarcoat things either.

His set, which he promises is entirely true, is brutally frank - outing both his own strange behaviour and that of his nearest and dearest.

His slick delivery echoes another festival favourite - Ed Byrne - and not simply because they share the same hairdresser.

Accompanied by an assortment of candid photographs, Cook promises easy laughs even when dealing with the trickiest of subject matters. Which should perhaps be the real disclaimer for this show.

Though warm and funny throughout, there is a heavy heart at the centre of this act that will stay with you long after you leave the theatre. Those devoid of emotion, best avoid. Everyone else will love it.

JASON COOK
What: Jason Cook in Joy
When: 8.30pm, until Saturday, May 23
Where: The Classic, 321 Queen St