Anyone who is a fan of 8 out of 10 Cats or has glanced at the comedy scene anytime in the last few years will be familiar with Jon Richardson’s brilliant brand of comedy. Infamously self-depreciating, cynical and pernickety to the last degree, Jon is basically an old man trapped in 30-something year old’s body and his new tour Nidiot thankfully reflects this more than ever. Although he ditched his typical beloved cardigan in favour of a cowboy hat for tonight’s show, he was still as ready as ever with his neurotic rants that first made him famous and left the audience and myself in stitches.
Being a comedian that has notoriously thrived off his own grumpy pessimistic view of the world, Jon reveals that his recent transition to happiness through his new relationship to be, quite frankly, worrying. Introducing his newfound happiness as a ‘serious health problem’ Jon warned against the dangers of his terrible ailment, saying it’s the first time he has gone on tour ‘happy’. Which the perpetual grump wasn’t quite sure how to deal with. But not to fear, Jon Richardson fans! If you think his stand-up will now only cover sunshine and rainbows you would be mistaken – Jon still enjoys being quietly enraged at life as much as ever. Containing some brilliantly interwoven anecdotes and observations, his routine covers a vast range of his pet peeves from stag dos to the behaviour of British people in hot weather.
Jon still enjoys being quietly enraged at life as much as ever.
Jon’s observations of the world embody that angry little voice we all have in the back of our minds (don’t lie we all have it) and his anecdotes concerning his new relationship were particularly hilarious and had the venue filled with laughter. I also particularly enjoyed his classic portrayal of his OCD habits which included an enthusiastic description of how to properly stack a dishwasher and to squeeze toothpaste (apparently there’s a right way and a wrong way- who knew?). These quirks, while comedic in their ridiculousness, are also funny in the way they are also so strangely relatable. After all, who doesn’t have their own weird obsessive compulsions?
His anecdotes concerning his new relationship were particularly hilarious and had the venue filled with laughter.
I was also pleasantly surprised by his energy on the stage and the many different personas and characters he can slip into at ease. Having previously only seen him seated behind a desk on a panel show, this element of his live comedy complimented his routine a huge amount and revealed a whole new side to him. He also interacted well with the audience, and the inevitable few tipsy hecklers, in a manner that was funny without being too mean, which can be a difficult line to tread for some comedians.
I was pleasantly surprised by his energy on the stage and the many different personas and characters he can slip into at ease
As clichéd as it sounds, the whole show literally had me crying (and at one point dribbling) with laughter. The epitome of the perpetually complaining Englishman but with a charm and manner that stops the balance from tipping from hilarious is miserable. I would highly recommend going to see Jon Richardson live.
Scarlett White
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