Joel Dommett: Neon Hero

Spending one glorious week in the US with a celebrity who just happens to be the girl of your dreams is an unobtainable fantasy for most of us. But then loveable comedian Joel Dommett, for all his awkward mannerisms, isn’t your average human being. His first solo Fringe show Neon Hero, directed by Matthew Crosby of Pappy's, follows the success of his 2010 double-header with Eric Lampaert and gives this talented comedian the chance to relive the week that changed his life forever.

While the identity of the starlet at the heart of the piece remains a closely guarded secret at the request of her management, Neon Hero, with all of Dommett’s allusions to the world of celebrity, quickly turns into an intelligent and very funny analysis of the greatest love affair that never was.

While Dommett’s show does take several twists and turns and delights with stories of unhinged dates, uninhibited audience members and the unnerving discovery of some explicit mobile phone pictures, this sense of his regret at a chance missed is a theme that courses through the show and makes it all the more charming.

Performed with passion, energy and timing, this piece showcases Dommett’s enviable ability to construct clear and concise subplots that link seamlessly to his main narrative. While some of the punchlines are a little obvious at times, Neon Hero is still a witty and thought-provoking show that marks Dommett’s next and very impressive step towards Fringe fame.