Jonty O’Callaghan-Camden Fringe.

Written and performed by Jonty O’Callaghan and playing at the Etcetera Theatre is a brand new, one-man, sketch comedy show, called appropriately Got Some Notes: A One-Man Sketch Show

O’Callaghan opens his show as a nerdy director, conducting an audition for candidates seeking positions as members of a studio audience. With the aid of some spectacles and clip board, he runs through some questions and instructions. Jonty’s face is remarkably mobile, and he manages to convey his dismay with a side glance as the audience do not meet his expectations. It may not sound funny, but he already has the audience in his hands and laughing.

Notable sketches feature a primary school teacher whose dissatisfaction with his school’s Ten Pin Bowling team’s performance threatens to escalate into expletive-strewn abuse. Then, there is the sarcastic Talk Show Host who is interviewing a well-known author and the Cleaner in a private club who wonders what the audience is doing there. “You’d get more members if you were friendlier; like yesterday’s swingers”.

Expect the Loch Ness Monster, a Bear Grylls-type character and an addition meeting for men hooked on getting their guitars out at parties. A CBeebies presenter reading a bedtime story gets decidedly more adult, as mummy Unicorn confesses her infidelity to daddy Unicorn.

O’Callaghan is talented and likeable and delivers some sharp one-liners. He sees the world in a unique way, allowing him to throw new light on familiar situations. His interactions with the audience provide spontaneity and you never know what he is going to do next.

This is brilliantly funny, depicting a multitude of characters all of whom are keenly observed. Fringe comedy at its finest.

5 stars

Reviewed by Nina Gardner

Jonty O’Callaghan’s Got Some Notes: A One-Man Sketch Show is showing at the Etcetera Theatre for one last performance on 18th August.

For tickets and further information see link below