Jarlath Regan: The Audacity of Hope and the Inspirational Stupidity of Perseverance

There is something about the Assembly Rooms that makes it harder for the comedians to get a laugh. Maybe it’s the distinct lack of comedy club atmosphere, maybe it’s the fact they have air conditioning reducing heat-induced fervour, maybe it’s the pre-show announcement sucking the life out of everyone. Whatever it is, Regan’s show seemed to suffer from Assembly Room-itis.

You can’t help but like him. He’s amiable, he flyers his show personally, and his audience interaction is very natural. But tonight his routines seem to lack punch. It’s frustrating – it’s obvious that he’s funny, it’s clear that he has some good material, but his jokes just don’t seem to climax after their lengthy build-ups. This is made all the more apparent by his several mentions of factored-in applause breaks which include laughter but not applause.

Regan’s material is solid, and it’s pretty funny. It isn’t groundbreaking, but it will make you laugh. There’s just something missing tonight which leaves the whole thing sadly unmemorable.

It’s a shame – Regan is better than tonight’s performance. Perhaps the venue swallowed him whole.