Review by Steve Bennett

He may have a haircut straight out of a Seventies wedding photo, but John Lynn has a lot of old-fashioned Irish charm, too.

This relaxed, conversational comic starts so low-key you wouldn’t even know he was doing material – and if you were being unkind, you might say that the initial scarcity of punchlines adds to that impression, too.

But gradually he grows into to the task; the observational routines get tighter and the gags sharper, even harsher – though he always delivers them with such a twinkle that he gets away with it. He’s as intolerant of children as only an ex-teacher can be, and suggests punishment by melon that may fall under the UN’s definition of ‘unusual’.

The cornerstone of his act, though are his thoughts on the pros and cons of singledom versus long-term relationships, such as the one he is in. He has some very well put-together routines on the topic, with fine observations building into a very satisfying segment which will strike close to home for many.

At his peak, Lynn is like Tommy Tiernan played at the wrong speed: relaxed in his incredulity at his domestic situation rather than ranting and raving at it. Other times he might be a bit too laid-back for his own good, suggesting that even though he’s one of Ireland’s fastest-rising stars, there could still be more to come.

Review date: 4 Jun 2009
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett
Reviewed at: Kilkenny Cleeres