Words: Calum Baxter

3 stars 

Ayo Adenekan is unique. With his warm stage presence, his cleverly crafted jokes and his perspective as a queer Scottish-African, it is easy to see why he has had the success that he has had in the past year. Adenekan has moved to London after securing a writing role for Sky’s Saturday Night Live UK; impressive given his debut at Edinburgh Fringe was only last year. It is clear why his ascent in the comedy scene has been quick – but this hour feels like he is still finding his voice. Particularly as the main content itself hinges on the love story summer romance which feels somewhat overdone and lacks the distinctiveness that makes Adenekan stand out in the first place.

The romance forms the core of the hour, and provides jumping off points to explore topics like his relationship with his father, his interactions with “straight white male friends,” and his feelings of frustration when another comedian with the same name overshadowed him at last year’s festival. The pacing of his delivery tends to be slow and could use more energy, and at times he introduces ideas without fully developing them. Nonetheless, Adenekan makes us laugh and will continue to attract significant attention in the comedy world, even if the story of his summer romance feels somewhat conventional.

Ayo Adenekan: Homeland Insecurity
CabVol2
13:30
16-30 Aug