Jonny Sweet: Let's Just Have Some Fun (and Learn Something For Once)

As with any comedy review, it would be difficult to represent 'Let's Just Have Some Fun (And Learn Something For Once)' with the credit it undoubtedly deserves, without ruining the joy so central to its understanding. Take for example a synopsis of proceedings – an hour under the control of former footlight Jonny Sweet, presenting the complete history of the HMS Nottingham through the eyes of his comic creation, a man who loves life a little too much. On paper the premise may seem mundane to say the least, but I assure you this one of the funniest shows at the festival – and his Edinburgh Award for Best Newcomer last year is testament to this.

How so funny? The character's delivery is typically Sweetinian, conjoining a unique intonation that seems to sway the rhythm of language, which matched with a vocabulary that delights in the kitsch, can bring a smile with any and every sentence. His movement also physically distorts conventions with the most minute of mannerisms that, on their own, continually convince flickers of laughter from all corners of the audience, catching some movement or glance that you were too unfortunate to catch. In all honesty, Sweet could make you piss yourself with his little finger, and on occasion does. Sweet's performance could justify five stars on its own, but the writing and other elements of the show just lift it to another plain.

Secretly, 'LJHSF(ALSFO)' is brilliantly clever, using anti-narrative devices which both fly in the face of current trends of stand up comedy – not commenting on one aspect of life or documenting a somewhat absurd ambition – and at the same time wonderfully cement Sweet's unbounded imagination into a coherent show. But quite simply, Sweet is ever so silly. Between the presentation, his delivery and the ingenious ideas themselves, this hour will leave you literally aching from laughter.

Reviewed by Richard Hanrahan 25/08/2010

Jonny Sweet: Let's Just Have Some Fun (and Learn Something For Once)
Pleasance Courtyard
19:30 25th-30th August.