Mario Adrion: Live a Little comedy review – Charismatic debut
The German model-turned-comedian has some interesting insights and material with a darker edge
In his debut Fringe hour, we learn lots about male model turned YouTuber and stand-up comedian, Mario Adrion. For anyone who saw him strutting in his Speedos on American Idol, bouncing his pecs (and those who immediately went to Google that), he’s keen to prove he’s way smarter than many imagine. Living in America ever since those high cheekbones landed him modelling work during his teens, the 32-year-old from smalltown Germany sometimes leans on US bro humour a little too hard, but finds a more interesting voice in the more emotionally honest bits.
Although Adrion is keen to move away from objectification, there’s still plenty material about his body (his hordes of straight and gay fans don’t mind one bit), but he finds knottier, darker comedy territory when talking about his emotionally distant mum and Nazi grandad. Identifying as a people pleaser, the modelling years involved him doing a lot of things that he now regrets. He’s happy to laugh at the thirst trap shoots he did, but things get serious when he reveals how physical boundaries were crossed, something he explains was rife in the fashion industry. Mario Adrion is a charismatic storyteller for sure, exposing insecurities beneath his pretty boy image.
Mario Adrion: Live a Little, Pleasance Courtyard, until 29 August, times vary.