Show 16: Jon Harvey: TreasuRETROve

I think I saw someone recommend this show on the Comedian’s Comedian Facebook page, or possibly the Elis James and John Robins fan page on Facebook. Regardless, it sounded interesting, and as the Fringe is based on word-of-mouth, I thought I’d give this show a watch.

Jon Harvey’s got a credible portfolio as a producer for the BBC on various radio shows and as a comedy writer, including Time Trumpet, and helped to bring Austentatious to radio.

In his first stand-up comedy show, he’s going through popular culture from the 80s and 90s and pointing out the rather shambolic films of the past, including Parting Shots, a film about a guy told he has only months to live and so he spends the end of his life killing those who’ve wronged him in the past, and it’s meant to be a comedy (directed by Michael Winner and inexplicably starring Ben Rea as the lead)!

Initially the show is mainly Harvey briefly outlining the films in question, showing clips and providing witty commentary. It’s fairly standard stuff, and most of the comedy comes from the car-crash acting on screen.

However, very slowly the show turns to go down a different narrative path and this is where Harvey comes into his own, displaying great writing and taking the audience onto an entertaining, unbelievable and charming tale. I shan’t say much more than that, as per request by Jon Harney.

Shows like this make the Fringe special – those hidden gems made known by word-of-mouth that offer a delightful surprise for those that take up the offer. This is a lovely, unexpected, thoroughly enjoyable show.

Score: 7/10

Venue: Assembly at George Square – The Box

Dates: 10^th-26^th August (not 14^th)

Time: 21:40

Price: £10 (£9 concessions) weekends, £9 (£8) weekdays