Josh Thomas – The Adventures of Josh Thomas and the World’s Greatest Love Machine
It was with some trepidation that I approached the Josh Thomas show as it is my very first gig reviewing for this prestigious publication and I really don’t want to begin by slagging off this baby-faced gentleman.
What a delight it is, therefore, that I don’t have to!
He opened to an empty stage and the sounds of his own voice imploring us to cheer him on (which we dutifully did). He started off by breaking the ice and getting to know everyone in the front row, taking their comments with an ease that let us rest assured we were in good hands for the next 60 minutes.
This opening was clearly improvised as he bantered with the crowd, but I found as his routine began to unfold that the line between off-the-cuff wit and rehearsed material was invisible and the transitions seamless. Absent were the awkward pauses and desperate glances to the ceiling of a comedian struggling to remember his next “bit”. Josh took us effortlessly into his confidence on the subject of love, family, cuisine and expensive automotive folly. Along the way we gasped, groaned, and laughed uproariously at his observations and experiences.
Because the stories he tells seem (and possibly are) so real, the show feels like more than just a collection of themed gags. There are moments when Josh is weaving his narrative where half the audience is laughing and the other half are saying “oh no!” and squeezing their eyes tightly shut in sympathy. Perhaps these parts of the show are less funny and more gasp-worthy, but that this young comedian can inspire such empathy in an audience in addition to laughter makes for a well-rounded and satisfying show.
It becomes clear that Mr Thomas is something of a prodigy as he naturally wields skills that take other comedians years to develop. Like all great talents, he makes what he does seem easy and that leaves the audience free to enjoy, get involved, and hoot with laughter.
I absolutely recommend that everyone get on board Josh’s Love Machine show and start your fandom early as this comedian’s star is sure to rise.
View the comedy festival website for bookings and further details