Will Hall: Netflix and Will

A promising and pleasant show let down by digressions
Will Hall offers a decent 45 minutes of anecdotes that sadly lacks in laugh-out-loud moments. As a self-declared 'almost posh' comic, comparisons to Jack Whitehall are unavoidable. Perhaps this works to his detriment, as whilst Hall's delivery is mostly relaxed and his stage presence good, he needs to tighten up his material and raise the punchline level.
Covering his experiences attending a boys' boarding school, growing up in Surrey, struggling with girls, meeting his childhood hero Ian McKellen, and his time at university, Hall is honest and open about some crucial life experiences. Overall, this is an enjoyable, funny talk that is unfortunately deficient in enough originality.
His audience rapport is a mixed bag: when it works, it's great; however he calls on the crowd too often, with questions that are often slightly long-winded. A central piece, centred on the reading of a supposed random 'round robin' is entertaining, if not overly-rehearsed and too far-fetched to the point of disbelief.
Will Hall has great potential to grow into a hugely popular comedian: he's uninhibited and has a natural persona on stage. This festival feels like a warm-up to a higher quality show to come.
Just the Tonic at The Caves, until 26 Aug (not 13), 2.15pm, £5 (£4) in advance or donations at the venue.