★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Darren has an admirable ability to talk about cultural and topical issues with relevancy, wit and original observation.
It's amazing to see how much Darren Harriott has improved since his debut in 2017. The man stood on stage in 2019 is very different, he's much more confident in himself and his material and has the presence and persona of someone ten Fringe shows.
This could be down to the number of other opportunities that came his way in the last twelve months including multiple TV appearances. But that's not to say his vulnerability and introvert-ness doesn't also shine through, because it does and Darren is a perfect example of why being an introvert isn't the same as being shy.
At the heart of the show is a story of a 30-year-old who has never been in love, grew up without an affectionate mother and always wanted to be in a gang. From his opening gag about growing up in the Black Country (not Birmingham as he's previously said) to his closing realisation about why he has never been in love, the audience hang on his every word and laugh at every joke.
His jokes are sharp, slick and super relatable and his routine about Jesus being the original influencer is one of the best jokes I've heard so far at this year's festival. Other highlights include questioning whether it's ever OK to sing part of the Ignition Remix by R Kelly, his thoughts on his mother's boyfriend and a side-splitting breakdown of the song Pony by Ginuwine.
During the show, he tells us that as a comedian, he's always reading the news and keeping up to date with what's going on in the world and that really shows. Not often saying what everyone else is saying about climate change or other issues that matter to people today, Darren has an admirable ability to talk about cultural and topical issues with relevancy, wit and original observation.
He really is at the top of his game at the moment with this year's effort noticeably better than his previous. He's someone who has clearly worked very hard on his craft, ensuring that every joke and every punchline is as good as it can be and lands the way he wants to be. Darren is well on his way to becoming a household name and I couldn't be happier about that fact.
Darren Harriott: Good Heart Yute runs until 25th August (not 14th) at 8.15pm at the Pleasance Courtyard (Beneath). Book tickets here.