Edinburgh Fringe comedy review

This double bill, not a double-act, was very much a show of two halves, offering a contrast not only in styles but also in impact.

Tom Henry’s opening 25-minutes initially lent quite heavily on crowd work, yielding some promising responses (a marriage proposal at the Titanic Hotel anyone?) but he lacked the sharpness and ability to think on his feet to reap the comedy rewards. His juxtaposition of cherubic appearance and tales of sexual situations didn’t always hit the mark, with some weak punchlines. 

More successful were his ‘Englishman in New York’ tales of travel – complete with Craigslist horror story – with a nice take on his English accent and diminishing status in the dating pecking order. But ultimately, there was not enough strong material to carry a relatively short stage time – his boyish charm and enthusiasm only goes so far.

What a contrast with Jack Hester, who immediately connected with the audience, making them lean forward to catch the first of several tall tales – or maybe true stories, it’s impossible to tell – about growing up in Ireland and his vicar/landlord/politician father. 

Hester found the sweet spot between confidence – and the feeling he could say almost anything and get away with it – and conspiratorial conversation  where he can seek audience approval or forgiveness.

And although one particular routine left a bad taste in the mouth, it was delivered with enough conviction and curiosity to just about get away with it. A standout section on the contrast between social events for NHS staff and hedge fund managers, and a closing bit on performing his first headline show had a satisfying callback to an earlier routine.

Hester’s personality and ability to hold an audience’s attention bodes well for the future. Good craic? On this outing, Hester offered much more than Henry.

• Jack Hester: Tom and Jack Having the Craic - Edinburgh Fringe 2022 at Chortle.co.uk">Tom Henry, Jack Hester: Tom and Jack Having the Craic is on at Just the Tonic at The Caves at 9.05pm

Review date: 18 Aug 2022
Reviewed by: Matt Carwardine-Palmer
Reviewed at: Just The Tonic at The Caves