From the first minute of the show Chris Stokes had everyone laughing loudly – however it seemed from his comments that this audience was not typical of the show’s fringe run. If that is the case then he must have a talent for attracting the wrong people to buy tickets. If you are an extroverted, physically intimidating, alpha male or a nosy, forthright, female this isn’t this show for you. The wrong audience isn’t going to understand this material in the same way quiet person’s comments get ignored at a dinner party full of loud people interrupting each other.
The theme of the show was how people use the veil of honesty to justify being rude should no longer be tolerated. While that in itself does not sound like a comedy goldmine, Stokes highlights the humour in the foibles of forthright people in an understated but brilliant way. Good on him for defending politeness and kindness between people.
Stokes was self-deprecating at times – but this wasn’t an hour of misery tales nor was he cashing in on vulnerability. He mentioned his recent divorce but didn’t make the show all about it. He just used it to highlight that ‘when you are emotionally raw from something like that – even Shania Twain seems like Keats.’
It’s inspiring to see an introverted comedian on stage – and his likability seemed genuine as he even brought water for any audience members who were feeling too hot from the room. The world seems to favour loud pushy people and it’s refreshing to hear someone speak out for the other side. Soft-spoken voices need to be heard too and the irony wasn’t lost on him that he was basically speaking out in defense of not having the courage or desire to speak out.
There were actually a few people bowled over in laughter which is something I haven’t actually seen at the fringe yet this year. I really hope this fringe doesn’t leave him so disillusioned with stand up that he quits comedy because the circuit could use more comedians like Chris Stokes.
*****
Danica Priest
Chris Stokes Tells it like it Possibly Could Potentially Might be is on at the Pleasance Courtyard until Sunday 25th August.
