The Comedian’s Comedian podcast, hosted by Stuart Goldsmith, has featured over 500 standup guests, but one notable absence has been Luke McQueen. In a playful twist, McQueen kicks off his show with what appears to be a real phone call to Goldsmith, questioning why he’s never been invited. The specifics don’t matter much, as McQueen cleverly uses Goldsmith’s voice to create a compliant AI version of the host, allowing him to perform his own live episode on stage.
Known for his inventive approach to comedy, McQueen has previously delighted audiences by blurring the lines of reality. He once posed as the rejected former partner of Jack Whitehall, deceived crowds into believing Frankie Boyle would appear at his show, and publicly humiliated himself to win back a fictional girlfriend.
In Comedian’s Comedian, McQueen’s persona—a blend of high status and desperate need for approval—shines as he delves into themes of AI, ambition, and artistic vulnerability with refreshing originality.
He aims to portray himself as a “misunderstood artist,” yet his AI interviewer has different plans, questioning his fame, family life, and even his driving license. This creates a palpable tension between the societal expectation for comedians to open up for success and McQueen’s belief that true courage lies in taking risks that might not pay off. The show also features delightfully dark humor surrounding McQueen’s online antics, a standout moment with his alter ego, Professor Franklin, and a cringe-worthy encounter with his teenage self.
Striking a balance between introspection and mischief, McQueen keeps the audience on their toes, hinting at a revealing behind-the-mask experience. Directed by Jordan Brookes, this performance is a whirlwind of fun delivered by a master of ambiguity.
- Catch it at the Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh until August 24.
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