Words: Calum Baxter

3 Stars

The audience excitement in the Pleasance Cabaret Bar this evening is palpable. Thomas emanates a neurotic energy, much like his character in The Inbetweeners, and when an actor becomes well-known for a role like this, it can be challenging to distinguish the actor from the character. He is quick to point out that he does not enjoy being referred to by his character name in The Inbetweeners (unless paid in advance; then you can call him whatever you like).

Joe discusses his trouble saying no, first dates, buying a house out of embarrassment, seeking to use his childhood as a model for fatherhood, and trying to obey all the rules at once. His partner, Hannah, feels present in spirit at least in the show, despite not making an appearance at the venue in person, as stories of his personal life often dominate the narrative. There is a particularly amusing story involving his hypochondria as Joe assumes he has “arse cancer” when in fact he has haemorrhoids, for instance.

Maybe I was in the minority, but I felt his nervous energy on stage did not put me at ease to enjoy the performance as much as I would’ve liked. There were a few funny moments, and the set finished on a particularly amusing anecdote about how earnestly Joe took the task of completing a video diary on the set of The Inbetweeners for the DVD extras.

Joe Thomas: Rule Breaker
Pleasance Courtyard- Cabaret Bar
16:00
Aug 21 – 22