Jonny Pelham has some thoughts about comedy and how it intersects with trauma. To give some background, in 2019 Pelham brought Off Limits to the Fringe, a highly personal exploration of child sexual abuse. Things took off, leading to a Live At The Apollo special followed by a mental health crisis; because telling people you’re fine night after night clearly doesn’t mean you’re fine. 

Now Pelham is back to explore the aftermath. And given our collective obsession with sharing every detail of our life online, this is a timely show with important questions to ask. But it’s still dark stuff, and there’s a sense Pelham hasn’t yet made peace with that; he frequently comments on the set, live-assessing how jokes are landing. It’s a tact that gets old fast, particularly when the subject matter demands trust between audience and performer. It’s extra-frustrating because there’s a hilarious set in there, if only he’d trust himself to deliver it; perhaps it’s a bad night, or part of his schtick. But when the laughs do come (and come they do) they’re cathartic. This isn’t ever going to be a cosy hour of comedy, but Pelham’s thoughts are always going to be worth hearing. 

Jonny Pelham: Optimism Over Despair, Pleasance Courtyard, until 27 August, 6.50pm.