John Pinette: I Say, Nay Nay

It would be harsh to simply describe John Pinette as a clichéd, funny fat-man as his construction and competence reach far beyond such bounds. But given that his jokes centre on and around his weight to the virtual exclusion of all other possible topics, he is in many ways asking for it. Whether it is fast food, all-you-can-eat buffets, dieting or laziness, Pinette consistently makes the audience chuckle (and occasionally cackle), but it remains glaringly obvious how limited his repertoire is.

Being an award-winning American comic, with this year serving as his Edinburgh debut, it is tempting to give Pinette the benefit of the doubt. He ticks all the boxes for successful and enjoyable stand-up comedy – and is therefore both successful and enjoyable. But by the same stroke he is predictable and repetitive, indicating to the audience when to laugh by raising his voice at every punch line. His perceptions are entertaining and his friendly eye-twitching aggression charming, but his performance is over-prepared, seemingly sticking religiously to the script throughout the hour-long show.

Overall Pinette left me with two lingering questions: is he too American or am I just too thin?