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Edinburgh 2008

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Winner of the Chortle student comedy award 2007, sponsored by Revels

Tom Deacon: Can I Be Honest?
Live Review

Since winning Chortle Student Comedian of the Year back in 2007 Deacon has come a fair old way. By 2009 he'd performed his first Edinburgh show, Indecisive, and last year he was given his own show on Radio 1 every Sunday night. It's most twentysomething comic's dream CV.

In this year's Edinburgh show, his second, he's set out to get a few things off his chest and to be perfectly frank. The premise was prompted by an argument with his now ex-girlfriend. When frustrated with his apparent obsession with his Xbox, she asked Deacon what his Xbox had that she didn't and, recalling that she'd once stated that what was most important to her in a relationship was honesty, he told her.

So he was soon looking for somewhere else to live but also, luckily, in possession of a notebook she had given to him in happier times, which he proceeded to use to pour his thoughts into, rather than revealing them publicly– apart from in the confines of a fringe show of course.

There's are no big revelations here, it's not as if he's killed any old ladies, not even the mildly irritating pensioner next door with the cat called Alan. It's all low key irreverent stuff - his love of touching (not like that) his posh flatmate, the shocking arrival of piles the size golf balls and that annoying moment at the end of the day when you realise you haven't had all of your five a day fruit and veg.

Deacon presents his random thoughts with the bemused and slightly confused demeanour of a manchild, one still making sense of the world but liking nothing better than a joyful, childish fool around with his mates.

Though his shtick is to look a little vague and hesitant for comedic effect sometimes it makes for a routine that feels a little woolly around the edges. The material not quite hitting the spot every time. Nevertheless it's still an entertaining show with a nice off-the-wall edge to it; one that daubs his house-share comedian lifestyle with vivid colour.

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Was hilarious. favourite out of the four performers. has a very laid back boyish charm about him!

JA, September 2010

I love his show on BBC Switch. It is my bible.

Jilna Shukla, March 2010

Can't believe this guy's relatively inexperienced. He had the audience in the palm of his hand and blew us all away with his wit, warmth and unpretentious enthusiasm. Definitely one to look out for.

Michael Monkhouse, May 2008

Supported Ed Byrne down in Tiverton's Comedy Hall for two nights and proved really popular. His set was assured, he seemed comfortable, very professional and of course, got 'em laaaughin'. A great act, hope we see him again.

Gregory Wellman, March 2008

He made me laugh

Dave, February 2008

Absolutely awesome. Saw Tom at Longpaws comedy club in Wells. As soon as you get a chance to see him, GO!

Ben Earle, October 2007

Saw Tom at Longpaws in Wells. He is absolutely class, completely stole the show. Don't really know what else to say except that he was absolute class!

Ben Earle, October 2007

The highlight of the night and he only did ten minutes. He's superb.

Rich Dudley, October 2007

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