Josh Sharp’s “ta-da!”: Google Slides Comedy Genius Unleashed at Soho

Josh Sharp’s “ta-da!” is a groundbreaking and “miraculously brilliant” stand-up comedy show that redefines traditional performance by transforming a Google Slides presentation into a dynamic “double act.” Far from the spontaneous, “off-the-cuff” illusion of commonplace stand-up, Sharp meticulously delivers a relentless “jackhammer of jokes,” navigating an astonishing 2,000 Google Slides in just 75 minutes. This unique, slide-driven approach, described as “uncomplicated in concept, unfathomable in execution,” establishes Sharp as a new master of the “clicker,” akin to Dave Gorman but with his own distinct, high-energy style.

The show, often feeling like a “runaway presentation/group therapy sesh,” benefits immensely from Sharp’s complete command of his material; he has “learnt every last drop” of the intricate presentation. While Sharp himself acknowledges that the core content—exploring themes of repressed adolescent sexuality, a terminally ill mother, and a personal near-death experience—isn’t avant-garde, the comedic execution is profoundly original. The “pas de deux twixt comedian and slides” leaves audiences “slack-jawed,” delivering a “laugh a minute second lecture” that ingeniously plays with subtext, dialect, wordplay, letter play, and even “butt play,” demonstrating remarkable linguistic agility.

The immense appeal of “ta-da!” stems from its “uproariously good” storytelling and Sharp’s boundless comedic energy. Specific examples of his humor include a hilarious routine about the perks of a wrestling party, so funny it prompts tears of laughter and even audience members to smooch. Another highlight is an overly-understanding doctor’s memorable take on Sharp’s chlamydia diagnosis, reassuring him, “It’s a sign you’re making friends.” The show builds to a “sheer magic” climactic reveal, with clever callbacks continuing to resonate long after the audience begins to exit. Sharp’s refusal to “know when to stop” is a definitive strength, ensuring a ceaseless, high-octane flow of humor, solidifying “ta-da!” as an unforgettable and highly original comedic experience.

(Source: https://londonist.com/london/comedy/josh-sharp-ta-da-review-soho-theatre)