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I’ll admit straight out that I have never had an interest or inclination to see well-known comedian and Irish man Jimeoin. I know he’s been around a long time, done the rounds on the international comedy scene and acted in some mediocre movies, but nothing has ever enticed me to check him out. Yet somehow I ended up at the opening night of Jimeoin on Ice. I was initially worried when some of the first words out of Jimeoin’s mouth were, “This show is too long,” but, I have to admit that the hour flew by with nary a look at the watch.

While I can’t say that the show rocked my world (and that is purely personal taste), it was an amusing and lively romp into the mind of a man who clearly thinks a lot. Not necessarily in an academic sort of way (thank goodness – this is stand up comedy, after all!), but in an everyday, observational way that is, actually, quite spot on.

The art of holding in a sneeze during a conversation, the way humans compartmentalize memory and the dynamics of long term couples were all insightful segments that many people could probably relate to. Jimeoin’s take on things involves a lot of facial gesture and animation. This suits his befuddled bald man look well and builds an endearing quality that, combined with that Irish accent, somehow works.

With only the occasional crude reference (a couple of jokes about pubic hair made their way in there), content stayed on the cleaner side and found its humour through Jimeoin’s dissection of the ordinary rather than going for grotesque or sexual material for shock value. With guitar in hand, he had his play at being a rock musician and a sequence on the facial expressions of drummers was a highlight.

Entertaining and pleasant enough, Jimeoin on Ice is a not a bad way to spend an evening. Is it a standout, must-see of the Comedy Festival? Not really, especially with competition from so many newer talents and slightly higher ticket prices than other acts. But, to its credit, it’s a steady show that probably won’t let fans down and may even convert a few cynics like me.


A-List Entertainment presents
Jimeoin On Ice

Venue: Athenaeum Theatre | 188 Collins St, Melbourne
Dates: 19th Mar - 30th Mar
Times: Tue-Sat 8.30pm, Sun 7.30pm
Duration: 70 minutes
Tickets: Full $34.90, Conc $31.90
Bookings: Ticketmaster 1300 660 013, Venue Bookings 9650 1500 & at the door