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Jason John Whitehead 'Letters From Mindy' reviewed;
Kate Copstick, The Scotsman
This is an unexpectedly sweet show. So be aware that, having shelled out for the tickets, they will not get you angry JJ, ranting JJ or wild boy JJ. They get you a new JJ - and he is quite delightful.
This show is structured around the eponymous "letters from Mindy". I might be too cynical, but I don't think they are real letters. They represent possible reasons for JJ's girlfriend dumping him. Which she did, by phone. Emotionally scarring, of course, but he did what all good comics do and turned the experience into comedy gold.
The Icelandic volcano, Phil Nichol and Cindy Crawford's mole all feature in this tale of a man coming to terms with rejection. Along the way we get angry squirrels and cheeseburgers, vibrators and casual sex. And every so often we get a little comedy diamond, just to remind us that it takes more than the emotional devastation of being suddenly and brutally cast adrift on the cold, lonely waters of singledom to get a good comic down.
JJ's explanation of the workings of the male memory and the part sex plays in accessing stored information is quite brilliant and makes great sense. His comparative analysis of male and female arguing styles is hilarious.
It is a beautiful sight in a comedy gig to watch people combining the nod of recognition with the roar of laughter. There was a lot of that going on as JJ expanded on his lack of patience with younger women and his "fake moveage". This is one of the most structured shows I have seen him do, and he does it very well. Mention should be made of the technological aspects - I don't want to give too much away, but there are props and there is even what might be termed a "special effect". This really is a delightful show, probably the gentlest of the late-night comedy offerings. It is well worth leaving the bar for. Dear Mindy, big mistake, but thanks for a terrific show. All the best, Copstick.
 
Reviews Edinburgh
The cool Nova Scotian is the epitome of easy, effortless observational humour.
Enjoyable performance…..deceptively cutting
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easy-going style and enjoyable performance, but don't be fooled, his mind may be fuzzy but his material can be deceptively cutting.
He’s a likeable storyteller and he relays his observations in a conversational and amusing way.
Whitehead ruminates philosophically
Whitehead's informal, almost friendly delivery masks the subtlety and thoughtfulness of his material. He gives the impression of rambling somewhat aimlessly, speaking on any passing whim, but it is a meticulously constructed soliloquy
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Whitehead is cool, calm and funny. He achieves his goals with skilful reassurance
Previous reviews
Whitehead’s outrageously immature antics combined with his self-deprecating wit make him well worth a look – Edinburgh Evening News
Can get away with comedy in style. He is laid back in his approach and non-threatening to everyone. – One For Review. Fringe ‘07
“an irresistibly loveable combination of freaked out pot head and a south park character, with a bit of Ozzy thrown in for good measure” Leicester Mercury
”his complete onstage ease is impressive to behold” Metro
“Entertaining and witty without being over-clever, his mix of straight-to-audience chat and indignant ranting makes him one of the most genuine comedic talents on show” Fest
“a pretty sharp mind with a definite knack for timing and pacing a story” The Scotsman
“His observations about English culture, and women, never fail to provoke giggles. He’s well worth seeing” Leicester Mercury
“not to laugh with him would seem like puritanical abstention.” Three Weeks
“his deadpan drop out wit is packed with laughs” The Scotsman
“He smells a lot better than he looks like he should do!” Brendon Burns
“not to laugh with him would seem like puritanical abstention.” Three Weeks
“Observational comedy is a dying art. In Jason John Whitehead, however, unpretentious stand-up may have met it’s unlikely saviour.” Fest
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