An hour full of fun and engaging anecdotes, Aidan Jones’ 2022 Melbourne International Comedy Festival offering, 'Pap', is a warm and enjoyable show.
While not everyone in the crowd has been fired from 14 jobs in the way Aidan has, they seemed able to easily relate as he shared tales from his challenging times in the workforce.
The show (Thursday 7 April) kicks off with Aidan already on stage, chatting casually with the crowd as they roll in and warmly welcoming audience members to his show like old friends. This sets the scene for an hour of comedy which is relaxed (though thoroughly professional), and makes you feel like you’re in a room with an old friend – but the kind of friend who is certainly the funniest in your group of mates. There’s nothing intimidating or confronting about this hour – it’s just some lovely comedy that will have you wrapped up in Aidan’s infectious glow.
An accomplished performer who is best when feeding off the energy of a crowd, Aidan was also able to confidently and impressively warm up the crowd when their energy levels fell a little – which is standard for a Thursday night show, as audiences tire from a busy working week.
Some of the strongest laughs throughout the show came from some fairly left of field places but with his own quirky charm, Aidan has a talent to make the weirder ideas he brings to the stage incredibly palatable. His strength is in storytelling and while these aren’t always laugh out loud funny tales at every moment, they’re the kind that give you a goofy grin that’s hard to wipe away.
This is a show that will certainly have you laughing regularly and genuinely enjoying yourself. If you’re looking for a show that has relatable content for a full group of friends, from a charming and talented up and comer, then 'Pap' from the joyful Aidan Jones is a solid bet.
