If Jason John Whitehead was any more laid-back he would be the most horizontal stand-up in history. The cool Nova Scotian is the epitome of easy, effortless observational humour. Although it probably takes a lot of effort to make his brand of banter look so easy.
This show, imminently heading for the Edinburgh Festival, finds Whitehead reflecting on 10 years in comedy. He was once a dreadlocked slacker without TV or car. The dreadlocks are now gone, he has a huge TV and a small car. The car is slow but feels fast, as everything rattles when he accelerates.
His set could do with some acceleration, too. This gig had the distinctly stop-start feel of a road test, with stories slightly stalling in search of knockout punchlines. But there were still plenty of highlights among the familiar Facebook riffs and partly satirical routines on race.
Whitehead was good on drugs, as it were, and strongest on his family. His Canadian father's faux-Irishness generated wonderful laughs, while his kid brother's endearing antics certainly delivered the mandatory big finish. Skilful start, great end, just rev up the middle.
King's Head, N8, 29 July (020 8340 1028, www.downstairsat thekingshead.com).
Jason John Whitehead
Sabotage
