As a reviewer, I usually try to avoid the opening night of a brand-new Fringe act. Nerves, tech issues and just getting a feel for the show and the stage, can sometimes hinder the performance of a Fringe artist. As was the case when I went along to the Producers Hotel to check out JP in his solo show Boys Cry, Girls Masturbate, where a few stumbles, a bit of nerves and some untried material delivered an interesting yet memorable performance.

As we entered the upstairs room of the Producers Hotel, the audience was confronted with JP sitting quietly in a chair on stage, listening to music on his earphones whilst writing in his diary. With no acknowledgment to the crowd, his performance began as he explained what his current life situation was like. Living with his wife, two-year-old, mother-in-law and brother-in-law is not the kind of household that induces much romance in his relationship. JP went about mentioning it was also not the best time to give up drinking alcohol either. With his blank, expressionless face staring at the audience and a low verbal tone, it seemed as we were sitting in on a JP therapy session rather than a comedy act. He even mentioned this himself saying “I don’t think this is a stand-up show, I actually don’t know what it is!”. In between jokes and humorous observations, JP hit some serious notes, discussing his depression, alcohol and drug-taking. That’s why it surprised me when he asked if his microphone was on, to a mostly silent audience. Nobody wants to laugh at someone’s pain and this show seemed full of it. When you’re trying to strike a balance between humour and serious issues, the audience will often get confused as to whether they should or shouldn’t be laughing. 

In saying that though, one thing’s for certain: JP has put his heart and soul on full display in Boys Cry, Girls Masturbate. It’s a show that will only get better with each performance and, not only tugs at the heartstrings but by the show’s end, will rip it right out of your chest!

THREE AND A HALF STARS