Review Score – 5 stars
Category – Comedy
I have been attending the Edinburgh Fringe every year or so for nearly twenty years and ‘I, Tom Mayhew’ is upon reflection a show that I have the deepest appreciation for. It’s quite simply an absolute gem of a performance from 2018’s BBC Comedy Award Semi Finalist Tom Mayhew.
The show focuses on Tom’s experience of unemployment, how his parent’s Christianity affected him and gives an insight as to how politics of austerity and inept political mechanisms impact upon the working class. Deeply personal throughout, this marvellous show delivers a narrative of anger, dismay and frustration at the injustice of the UK’s benefits system and those that experience it’s archaic and somewhat bewildering judgements.
Tom delivers sharp observational political comedy throughout and the emotional and compelling narrative that was his families experience of the system is beautifully drawn together by his willingness to be open about this trauma.
Throughout the performance Tom was actively seeking engagement from his audience, it was natural and heartfelt as it was quick and hilarious. A segment of heckling to which Tom was called “Scum” for admitting being a Chelsea fan and the ensuing 5 minutes of interaction was some of the funniest improvised rebuttals I’ve seen from a performer. All the while delivered with a warmth and affection that drew the crowd and the heckler onside more with each passing comment.
Those in attendance gave a rousing ovation at the end, as the show ended on a reflective note that reached out on an emotional level to anyone with a conscience.
I promised when I started reviewing these shows that I would loathe to hand out a 5 star review to any show unless it was truly exceptional. This performance easily met that criteria and Tom’s clever writing and well-timed delivery no doubt means a bright future within the comedy industry for this talented young comic.
‘I, Tom Mayhew’ may not be the funniest show you see but it’s balance of harrowing recollections and hilarious beats to counter it means you will enjoy it greatly.
Details of this show are listed below;
Venue: Just The Tonic at The Mash House – The Bottle Room
Dates: Aug 5-11, 13-25
Time: 19:30 (1hr)
Ticket prices: £5 or PWYW
Fringe box office: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/i-tom-mayhew
Suitable for 16+.
Warnings and additional info: Strong Language/Swearing, Buy a ticket in advance to guarantee entry or Pay What You Want at the venue.
