In Jack Whitehall’s latest show, a new comedian is struggling to find their voice, mirroring the impending birth of Whitehall’s first child. The first half of the show, titled Settle Down, may seem trivial, but Whitehall assures the audience that substantial comedy awaits after the interval. However, this substance is continually delayed until the self-proclaimed “foppish man-child” shifts gears, rebranding Settle Down as his last inconsequential performance before embracing parenthood and maturity.
While I am skeptical of witnessing a more grown-up version of this perpetually youthful comedian, there are indications that the 34-year-old is attempting to convey a meaningful opinion or reveal glimpses of his true self. Perhaps his failure to do so lies within his artistic capabilities or maybe it stems from an underlying issue. Whitehall repeatedly references his aversion to therapy and expressing emotions, potentially explaining the inauthenticity in his comedy. Nonetheless, this issue also highlights his reliance on basic routines, recycled subject matter, and predictable formulas.
What ultimately saves these routines is Whitehall’s flair for performance. Each thin set-piece is brought to life with swaggering, almost cartoon-like energy. Admittedly, some jokes about embarking on a safari with a family of larger-than-life Floridians or the supposed embarrassment of dining alone lack believability. However, these animated moments inject vitality into the show, only to be interrupted by gigglesome routines about menstruation or half-hearted attempts to question his own sexuality.
To counterbalance these comedic moments, Whitehall occasionally delves into reflections about love, owning an excessively expensive dog, and the impending arrival of his child. While he manages to extract humor from his girlfriend’s inquisitive TV habits, his depth of engagement with these topics remains superficial. There are fleeting instances where he endeavors to offer more, discussing his social anxiety or delivering an uncharacteristic sermon on celebrating representation. Is Whitehall finally maturing? Perhaps, but based on this performance, he won’t relinquish his childish tendencies without a struggle.
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