Jason Cook at Chortle's Fast Fringe

Clip from 2009 Edinburgh Fringe show

More Jason Cook videos

Jason Cook started in comedy with a Newcastle sketch troupe known as Soup, before moving into stand-up around Tyneside, regularly compering Newcastle’s Hyena Club. He is now based in Manchester, and runs his own alternative night at the city’s Frog and Bucket comedy club, The Asylum.

Cook is also one half of spoof German techno band Die Clatterschenkenfietermaus, Karl Karl. In 2007, he took his first solo stand up show, Confessions, to the Edinburgh fringe.

Jason Cook: Fear - Fringe 2009
Live Review

‘It’s all right,’ Jason Cook reassures us at the start of Fear. ‘No one dies in this show.’

The disclaimer is needed because this Geordie comic’s past two Edinburgh shows have dealt with him facing up to his father’s mortality, and were subsequently wrought with heart-rendingly raw poignancy.

Without such tragedy, Cook must this year rely only on his comedic invention – and conclusively proves he can produce an hour of joyously uplifting and playfully honest hilarity simply from being a damn fine comedian, no emotional manipulation required.

He starts in straightforward manner, talking of everyday phobias from spiders to dentists, drawing in the audience with the banter skills so finely honed from compering around the circuit. He confesses to a couple of his own: drumming monkey toys, thanks to sinister experiences in his youth, and heights.

He chose to conquer his fears by jumping off Auckland’s 1,250ft Sky Tower attached to a harness, freefalling at speeds of up to 50mph before making a safe landing. Footage of the experience would provide an inspirational message for the end of the show, or so he thought. But it didn’t work out quite like that, and in typically self-deprecating style, Cook shows us what actually happened.

More of his own shameful behaviour is exposed as he talks about his previous alcoholism – the full-on ‘shouting at pigeons’ type – with a winning combination of flippancy and honesty. All his life seems to be treated in that same light way: a series of practical jokes and embarrassing incidents, all regaled with easy wit. All his life, that is, except the time he was banged up in an Libyan jail for international piracy at the age of 21 – the one thing he still cannot quite confront, thanks to post-traumatic stress disorder. Passing mention of those dark days gives his show a touch of drama, but he doesn’t like to dwell, before it’s on to the next bit of fun.

To provide a quote for his next poster, I can say that Jason Cook has more funny in his middle toe than most comics do in their whole body. But that is because his toe constantly spasms in a quite frankly ridiculous way – which he again demonstrates for our comedic benefit.

There is a warm sentiment at the heart of all this, especially in his talk of his wife Claire, with tales that are affectionate but not over-romanticised, again extending that authentic charm. Fear not, Cook has produced the goods yet again.

Probably the funniest guy I've ever seen live

Ross Hutchinson, October 2009

Having seen Jason Cook perform several times now I cannot help but compare him to a young Billy Connolly. For all the best of reasons. His energy and enthusiasm coupled with the roller coaster fast paced delivery and switching of emotions and sheer likeability factor on stage is a joy to watch. His hour long shows go by so quickly you realise how compelling his material is. Exploring his personal and everyman’s deepest insecurities and fears he manages to have you crying: both with laughter and pathos: comedy at its finest.

Derry, October 2009

After seeing Jason Cook on multiple occasions being the MC at the local comedy club, and seeing both his My Confessions show and Joy, he has firmly cemented himself as one of my favourite comedians. He is always funny with his midget jokes being a favourite when compering! His solo shows are amazing, with the ability to make you laugh none stop for 50 minutes and then stop and think (and cry) Brilliant

Sophie, August 2008

I saw the My Confessions show last night in Thirsk. Wonderful well crafted stuff. There is vulnerability to his act(in this show at least), that really carried the audition along and sets him apart from the run of the mill. Plus he was very funny. I would love to see him compare and get to some of his other sets. Check him out if you get the chance.

Paul, May 2008

Watched him at Rawhide Liverpool and he was outstanding. He improvised right through the show and the worst part was that he didn't last long enough on stage.

Arwyn, February 2008

I saw My Confessions twice and it made my cry twice. I've seen a lot of comedians who can make whole rooms wet themselves laughing but none other who've then had them in tears.

Eleanor, January 2008

This guy is really special. I love the way he's gone from cheesy compere to cool-witted stand-up and has the guts and the class to pour his heart out on stage. Heart-rending but - and - really funny. Well done mate!

Michael Monkhouse, December 2007

Jason Cook is amazing. Seen him compare and peform sets at many, many shows over the years and he never ceases to amaze. His ability to improvise and shoot down anyone stupid enough to heckle is unparalelled.

Gavin, October 2007