Taking self-deprecating humour to another level, Tom Walker’s Javelin is a rather eclectic series of observations and character-based narratives, through which runs a relatively concerning episodic of Walker’s (imagined?) time as a javelin athlete. Mixing stand up with mime, for anyone going to see this show, a paper bag is an essential item, as the sheer absurdity of the show is enough for anyone to fall prey to perpetual and hysterical laughter.
Silly, rather chaotic and a little insane
Taking regular breaks to comment upon his own show and how it’s going, Walker is incredibly attuned to our reactions, possessing the rare ability to improvise fluently. By refusing to take any praise that he believes is not worthy, Walker manages to come up with a clever gag. When the person onstage is actively telling you that they don’t think they’re good, the most natural urge is to contradict them, especially if they have proven up to that point that they are wrong.
A rather creative use of the mime format, Walker’s ‘Bull in the China Shop’ saga is rather wholesome and endearing, but as it turns out, incredibly characteristic of Walker’s approach to comedy in a rather ridiculous way. Walker is incredibly expressive in his manner as he shows us the story set to Kevin Macleod’s Bach’s Prelude in C, the music and action clicking incredibly well. We can only guess at exactly what’s going on at any particular moment in the story, but Walker gives us enough to fill in the blanks using all the comedic techniques in his toolbox to subvert our assumptions of punchlines. The sleekness of these moments is exemplified and repeated throughout the show, creating a snowball effect of hilarity.
The hardest part of any review is the star rating. Often a show sits between two values, and even when you settle on one, certainty is hard to come by. But it takes a special kind of show, a special kind of talent - that Walker without a doubt possesses - to make you absolutely certain of what the show deserves while you are still watching.
Javelin is just generally some good, clean fun. It’s silly, rather chaotic and a little insane. But then there is no great genius without a touch of madness. The perfect memorial to Herman Cain, it’s incredibly difficult not to like this show.
