Jordan Brookes’ new show, The Part of You That’s Always Screaming, is a former fringe champ’s chewy croissant tale that twists comedy into unexpected shapes. In this review, we explore how Brookes, the 2019 comedy award winner, delivers a set that’s both introspective and hilariously awkward, even if it lacks his usual ambition.
Jordan Brookes: A Master of Unconventional Comedy
Brookes has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of stand-up. His previous shows have been hailed as groundbreaking, and fans expect nothing less. This year, he turns his attention to the relationship between selfhood and being seen, using a simple train ride as the springboard for a deep dive into performance and perception.
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The show’s centerpiece is a story about eating a croissant on a train. Brookes describes the awkward positioning between the window and a fellow passenger, turning a mundane snack into a performative act. This moment becomes a metaphor for how we are affected by another’s gaze—or our own. It’s a clever setup that allows Brookes to explore themes of identity, surveillance, and self-awareness.
High Standards and Twisted Expectations
One of the key themes in this review is the weight of expectation. Brookes has set such high standards for himself that even a solid show can feel like a letdown. The delivery is more conventional than his past work, and the stunt payoffs fans have come to expect are missing. However, that doesn’t mean the show lacks brilliance.
There are moments of pure Brookes magic, like when he turns down the lights to a disturbing industrial soundscape and jerks across the stage. This is a reminder that even at his most restrained, he’s still a master of tension and surprise.
Comparing Brookes’ Shows
| Show | Ambition | Delivery | Key Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Part of You That’s Always Screaming | Moderate | Conventional | Selfhood and being seen |
| Previous Fringe Hits | High | Experimental | Form-breaking comedy |
Key Takeaways from the Show
- Brookes explores the impact of an observer on personal behavior.
- The croissant tale is a metaphor for performative everyday actions.
- Expectations can be a double-edged sword for artists.
- Even a “less ambitious” Brookes show is still top-tier comedy.
FAQ
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