Jett Bond & Thom Heim – No Show

No Show is an experimental comedy by Jett Bond and Thom Heim, based on the premise of a stand-up show where the comedian doesn’t turn up. The two performers inhabit the roles of the venue tech and an audience member, and from that: anything can happen. 

This is a show that will never be the same two nights in a row. On the night I went: some Irish businessmen bought shots for the crowd, and we ended up watching YouTube videos of baby monkeys on 2x speed. I’ve heard whispers that on other nights, plane tickets were purchased and waffles cooked. 

No Show is absolutely ridiculous and unpredictable. My experience was almost bacchanalian, a party-like atmosphere completely overtaking the bounds of regular theatre-going etiquette. Bond and Heim keep the wheels on, but only just. This is some of the most authentic fun possible. In an earlier review I said that Jett Bond’s Bunker was the hardest I’d laughed during this Festival. That title has now been awarded to No Show.

There’s an undeniable bravery to presenting a work like this. There will be walk-outs. There will be people who hate it. It’s impossible to experience No Show without feeling something strongly towards it – whether that feeling is love or hate. And isn’t that wonderful? 

No Show might just be the best thing at this year’s Comedy Festival.