★★★

“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.

JAZZ EMU: KNIGHT FEVER at the Soho Theatre

★★★★★

“Jazz Emu is somewhat of a lovable buffoon with a lack of self-awareness that’s endearing rather than infuriating”

It’s the night of the Royal Variety Performance and one of the performers is getting a knighthood (apparently that’s how the Royal Variety works?). Whilst Jazz Emu might be the favourite in some quarters, he is up against the indomitable Kelly Clarkson for the gong. So, Jazz Emu must prove, to the King and his countrymen, through the performance of the perfect song, that he is the one that should be honoured.

But selecting the tune that’s going to secure the title is not an easy decision. For that he needs a little help from his biggest fans, in the basement cloakroom of the Royal Albert Hall.

It is highly probable that the audience at a Jazz Emu gig these days really are a bunch of devoted fans. Since his breakout 2019 run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Jazz Emu (aka Archie Henderson), has both received accolades from the comedy establishment and hit the big time on Tiktok, with more than 250k followers and videos with over 3.5 million views.

It’s clear to see why. Henderson’s combination of surrealist observation, multi-instrumentalism (Electronic Woodwind Instruments, Sax and guitar?!), and commitment to the bit, translate impeccably from small screen to stage. Jazz Emu is somewhat of a lovable buffoon with a lack of self-awareness that’s endearing rather than infuriating. His preoccupation with recognition endearingly reminiscent of David Beckham’s quest for an honour.

The live experience, and this show in particular, takes everything up a notch from previous performances. A live four-piece band of individually talented and accomplished musicians, clothed in blue sequin military jackets reminiscent of Sgt Pepper, play melodic jazz as the audience enter the cabaret style theatre. Sofia Grant on keys gets a moment to show off her smoky vocals, but despite protestations from Jazz Emu that he is a team player, we cannot forget this is his show.

As well as the band, we are also treated to highly produced video and audio content, with Henderson pulling in favours from a whole host of friends to support. A video cameo from fellow musical comedian Will Hislop makes an appearance, and credits cite video direction from Lucy Moss, writer/director of hit musical Six.

If you are looking to sing along to your viral favourites you will be in luck. There are full-out versions of some of his most catchy hits, like ‘My Brothe’, and plenty of nods to other more recent content. But even if you are new to Jazz Emu, or not a follower on social media, the jazz-funk beat of Still Waiting is such an ear worm you’ll be humming it into next week.

DAVE BIBBY: BABY DINOSAUR at the Soho Theatre

★★★

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

DAVE BIBBY: BABY DINOSAUR at the Soho Theatre

Reviewed on 19th June 2024

by Auriol Reddaway

Previously reviewed at this venue:

DAVE BIBBY

DAVE BIBBY

JAZZ EMU: KNIGHT FEVER at the Soho Theatre

★★★★★

“Jazz Emu is somewhat of a lovable buffoon with a lack of self-awareness that’s endearing rather than infuriating”

JAZZ EMU: KNIGHT FEVER at the Soho Theatre

Reviewed on 6th June 2024

by Amber Woodward

Photography by David Monteith-Hodge – Photographise

JAZZ EMU: KNIGHT FEVER will also be at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Previously reviewed at this venue:

JAZZ EMU

JAZZ EMU