Aidan ‘Taco’ Jones – 52 Days: Success Is On The Cards ~ Adelaide Fringe 2019 Review

[COMEDY/STAND UP ~ SA PREMIERE ~ SA/VIC] National Wine Centre – Ferguson Room, Tue 26 Feb. Taco draws from his own past life for the source of his humour. By his own admission he’s done a lot of dumb things. But in 2012 he supposedly made a decision to forgo the sins of his past life, particularly alcohol. Not keen to give it away completely, he would allow himself alcohol one day a week – not exactly chronologically mind you– but he would average it out so he only drank 52 days in the year. And for some reason he recorded on a pack of playing cards what happened on each of these days. A chaotic life recorded in astutely organised detail. But you just know those 52 days will contain some golden moments. The premise of the show is that each member of the audience is given one of these cards and in random order we will learn what is written on it, thus making the show a little different each night. This pretext is perhaps a little clumsy, as the audience do not get to read out their card – he has learned that this can kill the timing of his performance. He could perhaps do as well by holding the pack himself, but I guess it is an excuse for some interaction. Taco is very candid about some of his failures both sexual and social, and his drug and alcohol intake, but he gets away with it because he is relaxed and charming and no-one gets hurt by his brutal jokes but him. Rather than be offended by his material, the audience, both younger and older, are laughing hysterically while cringing with recognition at some of their own past behaviours. His foibles are awkwardly relatable. That some of his adventures took place in recognisable Adelaide nightspots is also a source of amusement. The season is really brief this time, so if you want to see a young comedian with a big future who can make you laugh and cringe at the same time, find your way to the Wine Centre as soon as you can. 4 stars Adrian Miller Aidan Jones – 52 Days continues at National Wine Centre – Ferguson Room from 9pm until Fri 1 Mar. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #ADLfringe