Review: Jonty O’Callaghan’s Got Some Notes: a One-Man Sketch Show, Etcetera Theatre

There’s always an element of risk when heading to the theatre to see a one-man show in any format; there’s a lot riding on a single performer who could really make or break your time together. Luckily, on this occasion, we were in very safe hands with Jonty O’Callaghan. 

When we first meet Jonty, he is speaking directly to us, we weren’t to know before taking our seats that we were actually auditioning for the part of “sketch show audience”, but that is the situation we find ourselves in. With a feeling of relief that we didn’t choose to sit in the front row, what follows is a delightfully funny and silly hour of sketches. You’re in safe hands with Jonty, and that’s made clear very quickly as he launches into his first sketch.

Jonty is a chameleon as he transforms into an array of characters over the course of the show. Some of the highlights include an aggressive PE teacher of primary school children who have really let him down with their tenpin bowling skills, a man trying to recover from his need to play Wonderwall on guitar at parties, and a children’s TV presenter who reads a charming story about a unicorn family falling apart. His writing is witty, clever and incredibly well-observed, and you can just tell the entire audience is charmed.

Thanks to his wonderful and friendly presence on stage, he just about gets away with making audience members get involved. Of course, you sit in the front row at this type of show at your own risk, and he takes advantage of this beautifully. One of the highlights sees Jonty turn into a TV interviewer, due to be joined by a guest. Of course, an unsuspecting man in the front row is invited up and gives Jonty a run for his money, which is very enjoyable to watch. Jonty wins ultimately, though, when he gives the audience member a pre-written statement to read that is so ludicrous that the slightly self-assured stranger struggles to get through it. It’s sheer brilliance.

The hour-long show absolutely flies by, and I would happily have returned for another hour of sketches with Jonty. Whilst there’s nothing groundbreaking about the show, it’s just really good fun, and that’s what we all need more of.

Just a word of caution to any friends of comedians out there, the only negative of the show for me was my ringing ear by the end of the performance caused by the volume of laughter coming from the person next to me. They clearly knew Jonty personally, as I’d picked up on before the show started, and felt the need to laugh ridiculously loudly at the slightest bit of humour. It’s obviously amazing to support your friends, but spare a thought for the person sitting next to you.

Written by Jonty O’Callaghan

Jonty O’Callaghan’s Got Some Notes plays at The Etcetera Theatre
for one more performance on Monday 18 August