Jason Cook: The End (Part 1)

Here’s an experiment you can do at home. Next time you’re settling down at about 9pm to watch a bit of TV, count the number of times when channel flicking you come across a comedian of some kind. Chances are you’ll be swamped by the Boyles and McIntyres of this world after about 15 minutes. So in a time when Dave has comedians blathering away on panel shows ad nauseum, it’s refreshing to see someone who still knows what live comedy is all about.
Jason Cook is a great live performer; effortlessly switching between scripted material and banter with his audience. It is impossible not to laugh along with Cook as he doles out his anecdotes on a varied range of topics, from his deep seated fear of heights to his wife’s favourite animal impersonations and the way in which he interacts with the audience is top notch.
Cook’s scripted material is of a similarly high standard. The show can largely be seen as split into two parts and while the first half is perhaps a more traditional comedy fare, the second half allows Cook to play to his obvious strengths by throwing his show open to the audience and playing on their responses. Asking the audience what he can do to make the most of his life, Cook hopes to carry out all of the best suggestions (which range from skydiving to drinking tea through a Kit-Kat) and return with a follow up show. It’s a genuinely unique premise and it leads to a high-energy show which feels consistently funny and never like it is based around a cheap gimmick.
Despite his low-profile, it’s hard not to be impressed by Cook. Aided by a genuinely warm personality and a razor sharp wit, Cook’s distinctive show is one that deserves to be viewed by everyone, if only so they can offer more bizarre suggestions for the comedian to try before he returns with part two.