Scottish comedian Joe McTernan is no stranger to the Fringe. His debut show last year, “Life Advice That Won’t Change Your Life,” was a hit, with the young comedian selling out the smaller venue, Underbelly Buttercup.
If you have ever been to the Fringe before and have seen a show at the Buttercup venue, you know it feels like an oven, even on the coldest Edinburgh summer day.
Joe lives in Edinburgh, so he can’t complain about accommodation prices. This year, they also upgraded him to the larger and sleeker Friesian – a testament to last year’s jam-packed show, a complete sell-out run. Even though there was something special about watching his high-energy act in a grimy smaller venue, watching him making use of the entire stage with his physical comedy act is mesmerising.
Joe’s new show ‘Lost’ opens with the high-octane comedian grabbing the audience’s attention from the very beginning. He starts his routine with a continuous riff of well-crafted one-liners that set the tone for the rest of his performance, hooking the audience and not letting them breathe until the end of his show.
The show focuses on Joe’s family, the death of his late mother, and his experience being raised by his grandparents. It also covers his breakup with his girlfriend, going to the gym, and finally mustering up the courage to take his first flight, among other relatable topics. He uses these experiences as a powerful tool for humour.
A master at crowd work and juxtaposition jokes, Joe uses the two comedy techniques to create unexpected laughs, tender moments, and interesting conflicts. Joe deserves wider recognition for his ability to read the audience and use their reactions to create new jokes.
He is a quick thinker, capable of taking risks while improvising crowd work, and always lands the perfect joke in reply to members of the audience, delivering a dynamic and engaging performance.
Venue: Underbelly, Bristo Square
31st July – 26th August 2024 (excludes 12th) at 6.50pm
Tickets: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/joe-mcternan-lost
