DAVE BIBBY: BABY DINOSAUR at the Soho Theatre

★★★

“the show is artfully crafted, and the chaos never overtakes the structure”

Dave Bibby seems like such a nice man. He is endearing in his enthusiasm, both for fatherhood and for Jurassic Park.

His show is based around him recreating the Spielberg classic. He originally had the idea to make his own version of Jurassic Park in 2019, then global events, and the arrival of his first baby, derailed the intended film (at least according to the show). He combines fast paced sketches with audience participation and clips from Internet memes, to vary the tone and move the show along. As well as the classic people being brought onto the stage, a book is passed around with lines which various audience members have to shout out. This creates a community feeling in the room which brings people onto his side. It’s a clever move.

The show also explores his adjustment to parenthood. This might be where it’s at its best, though not its freshest. He must be a really great dad, and he’s unabashed about loving his kids, which is strangely refreshing. His humour strays into dad joke comedy, with a few puns and ancient eye rolling gags – but his energy is infectious. He shows adorable photos of his children, and his love for them is really clear, though maybe not all that funny.

There is great use of sound and visuals in this show, from TikTok clips of a honking zebra, to an AI generated supervillain Elon Musk, as well, of course, as clips from Jurassic Park itself. This ties the whole thing together, and keeps the pace and purpose of the show on track.

At one point Bibby mentions his wife thinks he has ADHD because he gets distracted, always being pulled in lots of directions. As his chaotic and frenetic show continues to unfurl, this comment makes sense. But the show is artfully crafted, and the chaos never overtakes the structure. For fans of Jurassic Park (there were some superfans in the audience) it is especially fun. The whole show is silly and charming, but ultimately lacks a certain wow factor.

DAVE BIBBY: BABY DINOSAUR

★★★

Soho Theatre

DAVE BIBBY: BABY DINOSAUR at the Soho Theatre

★★★

“the show is artfully crafted, and the chaos never overtakes the structure”