Making his solo stand-up debut at the Fringe, Jonny Donahoe brings us his show Class Whore that has a message both political and emotional. Seeking to convince the audience that he is not in fact middle class despite his perfect diction, Donahoe takes the audience through class in Britain today as well as the decisions he made that led him to be talking to us today.
The show looks at class as a concept with particular focus on how it seems to be a source of tension and a way that people are constantly defining themselves in Britain today. He looks at the modern definition of class with the now seven strata system that we have today. Informative and delicately handled, the show makes interesting points without ever feeling like he is making sweeping generalisations that can alienate, as many who tackle this topic can.
Donahoe is very likeable with a bustling, energetic nature and great delivery. This makes him seem both very passionate about the topics he is discussing and also genuine at the same time. There are moments when he looks almost naked out on stage, particularly in the more emotional moments when he is discussing his mother. However, it is also from his mother that a lot of the comedy of the show comes with a repeated joke about a show called 'DCI Banks' one of particular mention.
With stand-up comedy that is heart-warming and has an important message, Donahoe has a show that does the rare thing of making you laugh whilst also teaching you something about the world you live in and the people who make it up.
