With the accompanying subtitle, this show becomes
This is a great collection of stories from across the pond that are appealingly disorganised, charmingly informative and, most importantly, very entertaining.
Jones is a seemingly natural storyteller, with an easygoing manner and a bottomless source of material which covers a vast range of topics over the evening. This material is ably assisted by the use of audience suggestions, which I feel may go on to inspire the ever-changing set list in future. Memories are imparted and tangents are created so spontaneously that it is almost possible to see them emerging straight from Jones’ head into the room; for a first show there were plenty of well-timed hits, as well as a few misses. Whilst there were moments when the tone crossed the line from genial banter to cold, unflinching fact - particularly around more sensitive topics that left the audience unsure how to react - Jones remained mostly in control of the situation and was able to disperse any tension. I would love to see more audience interaction, as this provided a strong foundation at the beginning of the set that could easily be returned to later on.
God Bless ‘Merica is still very much a conversation between Jones and his audience that I feel will continue to refine and develop over the Fringe. As a warning, by the end of the show you may not feel more sympathetic towards most of America; nonetheless, this is a great collection of stories from across the pond that are appealingly disorganised, charmingly informative and, most importantly, very entertaining.
