‘Stamptown’ is supposed to be a night of raucous laughter and unencumbered joy. And because of these high expectations, the show delivered was a bit of a disappointment. I’ve always been a big fan of Stamptown, having seen it twice in the past, but in the 750-seat Pleasance Grand, the show suffered more than it succeeded.

While Zach Zucker’s waspy and hacky alter ego, Jack Tucker, serves a five-star worthy performance, alongside his co-host, Josh Glanc as the Spanish Fuck Boi, through well-timed gags and onstage chaos, the lineup of acts doesn’t quite fit the bill of comedic chaos. It seems that as the space grows, ‘Stamptown’ doesn’t quite know what it is — is it 90 minutes of comedy, as promised, or is it 120 minutes of nearly pornographic reenactments, as delivered?

The show begins with Tara Boom, a circus act who performs in the nude while popping popcorn through a machine attached to her head while spinning hula hoops. The act gets more chaotic and grotesque as it continues, ending with a live sex simulation. It’s mildly titillating, but it’s unclear if people are laughing and cheering because it’s funny or because they’re uncomfortable. The discomfort builds for some audience members so much that they decide to leave directly after.

Luckily, Zach and the show’s awareness of their ‘strong start’ is a saving grace, thanks to ‘reviewer’ Martin Urbano and ‘stage manager’ Erin Farrington. The audience loves the onstage antics that make the show, begging for more comedic gags between Jack and his definitely real dad, stagehand mishaps, and more ‘Stamptown’ classics. But as they bring on more and ‘bigger’ circus acts, we just want Jack and the gang back onstage.

It is billed as a variety show, but every time we see another breast or another penis, the shock factor diminishes and the ‘variety’ becomes homogeneous. Garry Starr is the perfect act for ‘Stamptown,’ and yet, after Tara Boom, his nudity gag falls short. Instead of the giant party of friends that it’s been in the past, certain bits can’t fill the large room—for instance, the spooky vampire who is supposed to pop up in the audience—while others just don’t quite fit the theme. Comedian Larry Dean, however, shines, despite not doing anything too crazy or wild, he is still one of the night’s highlights.

To push boundaries, a safe space first needs to be created, and although Jack Tucker creates a giggly and alternative space, many of the audience members aren’t expecting the debauchery to come. And as someone who loves sexual and dirty humor, this year’s ‘Stamptown’ has impressive acts and hilarious moments, but doesn’t quite hit the mark after repeatedly pushing the boundaries too far.

‘Stamptown Comedy Night‘ is at Pleasance Courtyard – Grand Thu 22 to Sat 24 Aug 2024 at 23:30