Clever, heartfelt, and technically dazzling – but playing it safe keeps this show from greatness.Rating
Good
Josh Sharp’s ta-da! is a remarkable technical achievement: 2,000 slides in 75 minutes, each one memorised and delivered with a precision that is almost hypnotic. Sharp’s energy and commitment are undeniable, and his mix of absurdity and intellect makes for an entertaining experience. The show’s title nods to Sharp’s childhood ambition to become a magician – a goal he admits he wasn’t quite suited for. Instead of pulling the right card from a deck, he would recite them all until he hit the target, a metaphor that perfectly captures the manic, iterative nature of this performance.
The comedy is clever and heartfelt, with carefully constructed repetitions and callbacks that reveal Sharp’s skill as both a comedian and storyteller. Early on, he undermines traditional stand-up structures, yet the show ultimately leans on some of those forms, a paradox that is both amusing and familiar. My favourite slide, “Two artists in conversation”, appears as Sharp talks about his conversations with God – and this captures the play’s ability to blend humour with poignant reflection.
The second half of the show shifts into more intimate territory. Sharp explores family, identity, and mortality, tackling difficult subjects like death and homophobia with a delicate touch. The heart of the play lies here, as he balances the absurd with the profound, ultimately posing the question “What should I do with this extra time?” These moments offer glimpses of real emotional depth, and Sharp’s sincerity is never in doubt.
Yet, despite these strengths, the show left me wanting more. While the performance is entertaining and executed flawlessly, the narrative feels restrained. The subjects Sharp engages with are important, but they rarely surprise, and even the more emotionally charged scenes feel slightly muted. There is a sense that Sharp may be holding back, perhaps wary that fully embracing the darker or riskier moments might disrupt the comedic momentum. As a result, the play hovers between clever and moving, never quite reaching the level of transformative theatre that it hints at.
In the end, ta-da! is a feat of memory, humour and technical prowess. Sharp’s personality is engaging, the jokes are smart, and the moments of tenderness are genuine, yet the show’s brilliance is somewhat tempered by a lack of narrative daring. It’s an enjoyable evening and worth seeing, especially for fans of comedy or inventive performance art – but it stops short of leaving a lasting impact.
Written by Josh Sharp
Directed by Sam Pinkleton
Produced by Carlee Briglia & Mike Lavoie
Set design by Meredith Ries
Lighting design by Cha See
Co-video design by Stivo Arnoczy
ta-da! plays at Soho Theatre until Saturday 28 February.
