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Jason John Whitehead: Letters From Mindy
Live Review

It's ten years since Jason John Whitehead performed his first Edinburgh show, when he was part of an composite bill from agents Off The Kerb. In the intervening years this likeable Canadian has chalked up seven Fringe runs, each time changing his pitch and approach.

The notion of change is essentially what this show is supposed to be about. I say ‘supposed to be’ because Letters From Mindy is another Fringe show where the concept has too loosely been applied to the material around it and vice versa.

The premise is that Whitehead has been left to deal with the predictably messy aftermath of a five-year relationship coming to an end. His reaction follows the classic stages: shock, denial, bargaining and depression. The latter sees him in a foetal position on his couch for months and, therefore, with plenty of time to think about the show that would inevitably arise from it. But not enough time to get a director, it would seem.

The stages themselves and a series of the titular letters would seem to give the piece structure but the former isn't strictly or cleverly adhered to and the latter device is unevenly employed. The provenance of the letters is confusing and they fail to shed much light on the tensions between men and women.

As ever Whitehead, now clean-shaven, clean-living and looking more Buddy Holly than his usual rock chic, pulls off some good lines although his undulating delivery can often mean that his punchlines end on a downbeat note.

Whatever the quality in some passages of the show, too often Whitehead will wander down dead-ends particularly towards the messy climax, where he talks about the future of men's genitalia and uses a laboured take on the PC versus Mac debate to illustrate the capabilities of men and women respectively to pull up facts in argument.

This is definitely not a red letter day.

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Guite aggressive, laddish and a bit run of the mill. Not really original enough for me.

ns, September 2008

I too just saw JJ Whitehead on TV in Canada and had to look him up online. From the videos I've watched, he's one of the funniest and easiest to listen to comedians I've seen. Hopefully he'll come perform in the Maritimes sometime! I'd definitely be there!

Amy, December 2007

Superb... Combines the laid-back patter of Eddie Izzard with the spot-on focus of Jack Dee. Loved every minute.

Michael Monkhouse, November 2007

Just saw him on TV here in Canada. He did his "men are the new women" bit and his "I broke my roommate's vibrator" bit, and both were hilarious! By far the best standup comic I've seen on TV in a long time. I don't go to comedy clubs but if I heard he was in town, I would definitely say it'd be worth making a good night out.

Mel Lastman, August 2007

I saw Jason John Whitehead in Manchester and had a great time. First time i saw him live and I hope to see him again as he's a fantastic stand up.

Kim, September 2006

Hecklers beware! I saw JJW at Three Fat Fish on Sunday, where a couple of chavtatsic wankmonkeys piped up from their bank holiday snakebite and blacks in an attempt to belittle the fantastic comic - and boy did they look stupid, I believe Jay's initial comeback of 'you cynical little fuck' was my avourite put down. Aside from heckle self defence, JJW is one of the greatest I've seen at the venue. Go and see him before it's too late anmd he's too big

Manboy, May 2006

Very funny and original

Ceri, March 2006

Seen JJW at Jongleurs in Glasgow on the 20th, and I've got to say his set really impressed me. Definitely an oddball sense of humor which was appreciated by all the people in my group. Shall definitely be watching out for this guy, try and see him if you get the chance.

Mik Sheridan, January 2006

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