Tragedy + Time Served = Comedy
Kelly Stifora | for CBC News | Posted: July 21, 2017 8:30 PM | Last Updated: July 21, 2017
Harrowing and inspirational story doesn't manage to find the comedy behind it
Rating: ★★
Company: Tragedy + Time Served = Comedy
Genre: Storytelling
Venue: 11 — Red River College Roblin Centre
In this case, unfortunately, that equation is unproven.
Mark Hughes opens with an anecdote about being asked "Why do you think this stuff is funny?" in response to his act. A valid question, given that his topic is a life of emotional isolation, drug addiction, crime, serial incarceration and sexual victimization.
Setting aside whether any of this stuff should be fodder for comedy (that's a question for the ages, not a short review), we're left with whether or not Hughes can write and deliver jokes about all these things that, in the moment, get the laughs. (Jokes + audience laughing = comedy.) Again, unproven.
No matter how harrowing and inspirational Hughes' story may be, he just hasn't unlocked the formula he needs to make it funny. - Kelly Stifora
In fairness, Hughes' opening performance was to a small and reserved house. However, I think the most significant variable here is Hughes' approach to the material. No matter how harrowing and inspirational his story may be, he just hasn't unlocked the formula he needs to make it funny.