Jimeoin at the Arts Theatre

Jimeoin at the Arts Theatre

21 July, 2008
by: Sherbet

Taking the stage with a shaven head and bright flowery shirt to enthusiastic applause, we know we are in for a few, laughs, even if they’re not obvious. This is Jimeoin, at the start of 90 minutes of charming observational stand up that hails from a more innocent time, where laughs were produced by wit and craft rather than rants on religion or politics.

As my Aussie friends reliably inform me, British-born Jimeoin originally grew up in the greener pastures of Ireland before escaping to the vast deserts and bush land of down under at the age of 22.

Adopted by the Australians, Jimeoin went on to star in his own TV comedy series, aptly named Jimeoin, in the mid 90s for three successful series. The colourful Irishman wrote and starred in two Australian-produced films The Craig, which was at the time Australia's second highest grossing box office hit, and Extras.

Though Jimeoin has married an Aussie and has settled down in Melbourne, Australia, he returns constantly to visit Britain selling out shows throughout the UK and of course, Ireland. He is a regular at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival, winning the hearts of audiences with his keen intellect and doe-eyed routines, and in 1994 he won the ‘Critics Award’.

The show starts with him striding around the stage looking for that most elusive of locations - the 'funny spot'. At a point just right of centre he knows he has found his treasure when we, the audience as one, burst into laughter. The show has begun...

From his opening description of the virtual world of human memory to a very energetic impression of a top-loading washing machine in final spin cycle, Jimeoin keeps our attention and gives us to a fascinating insight into his mind. Having lived among the Australians for so long, Jimeoin has plenty of material slagging them off, much to the delight of the minority English audience.

Sticking to a refreshingly PC routine, with only the occasional deviation into swearing, Jimeoin's routine draws on everyday experiences from farting when meeting people for the first time, to getting public transport. An energetic performer, he utilises the whole stage and gives the impression that we are getting more than we paid for. Although well known for visual comedy in his Australian shows (Jimeoin and Bob's Cooking Show), he also possesses a musical talent comparable to Bill Bailey’s, and this show is no exception as he closes the show with a few songs on his guitar.

As someone who'd never heard of this guy before his show, I'd happily recommend you give him a try - I doubt you'll be disappointed.

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Sherbet