With a sell out show and standing room only, the expectation for Mark Restuccia’s set was high. Armed with the history of a decade of online dating, Mark shares with the audience his experiences and anecdotes of the successes and failures of such a life. Equipped with a loyal Mac and projector to assist him Restuccia is ready.
His delivery is dry and his comedy observational. He includes the audience and talks to them as a friend and encourages a response. Whilst his patter is good, occasionally he becomes slightly lost - although as a testing ground for the Edinburgh run, there’s untried new material. But a lot of it works, and he has some great one-liners and observations. Charming rather than offensive, this stand up almost feels like therapy, but thankfully only in part. Conversational in style as if talking to his mates down the pub, Restuccia is candid and shares his stories with ease.
It becomes clear that this is not about beating internet dating as much as trying to beat the need for it, or from becoming too obsessed with it. Whilst not the edgiest or hardest hitting of stand up comedy, Restuccia nonetheless entertains an audience of all ages.
There is scope for more mileage on this issue, and with Edinburgh around the corner it will perhaps give time for Mark to settle into his thoughts and become secure in his delivery. He gives a lovely monologue at the end, which seems like an anthem to standing up against the pitfalls of the internet dating sites. It is not clear though if he has beaten it and leave hoping he manages to conquer that and the Edinburgh festival.
