They say as a writer, performer or comedian you should often deal with and present subjects you know well by experience. In Jason Cook’s shows he does this with superb expertise. The only exception is that over 90% of his audiences have gone through very similar experiences. His show titles have been ‘My Confessions’, ‘Joy’ and now ‘Fear’, part of his ethos appears to prove we are all very alike no matter what sex, creed, colour or nationality we are. At one time or another we all go through similar highs and lows.

Although I saw Jason’s show ‘Fear’ during the 2009 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, I was looking forward to going with Geoff to our second home in Edinburgh, The Stand Comedy Club. This was to be the first time Geoff was to see Jason do more than being compere for the night and he thoroughly enjoyed himself. Not difficult to do as Jason is a fabulous performer who puts his audience at ease and treats us like a group of pals having a chat. In this show he discusses the top ten ‘Fears’ which include clowns, spiders, bees and wasps. He discusses his fears with us including spiders, odd numbers, a child’s toy monkey and heights at the same time as finding out what fears set us off. Seaweed and whale skeletons were two of the unusual phobias mentioned. He then went on to demonstrate how facing your fear is not always the cure people hope it could be.

It is difficult to say what the fascination is with Jason but he is a superb performer and is extremely hilarious and thoroughly enjoyable. Not at all vicious he interacts with us as though he has known us for years and more than 50% of the show is laughing with him not just at his material.

His world tour of ‘Fear’ continues and for further information go to http://www.jasonlovescomedy.com. For further information of what is on at the Stand Comedy club in either Edinburgh or Glasgow go to www.thestand.co.uk

Tuesday 10th November 2009 at The Stand Comedy Club Edinburgh