Jesus:
The Guantanamo Years
Abie
Smirnoff Underbelly August 5-27 (not 7, 14, 21)
*****
Having begun his career in magic; quickly progressed to stand-up and taken an unusually long recess from the stage (due to a contractual and notoriously painful execution), the oldest stalwart of the comedy sermon circuit finally returns in a great shower of publicity.

Jesus is back and he’s not too impressed at having his best gags nicked by Monty Python. Coupled with his frustration at suffering the resurrection based ignorance of copyright laws, his fan-base has become ever more erratic and self indulgent. Basically our saviour is having a tough time of it lately, but he’s taking it very well, and with great humour. For a deity he displays superb humanity.

With the statutory hair for the part, this fast talking Jesus (who’s adopted a Dublin accent of late) exudes such a kind and appealing nature that you’ll instantly hang on his every word. As legend has it, you wouldn’t be the first.

Passing through a broad range of biblical and political references Jesus spills his mind beans and shares the occasional family anecdote. True to tradition, his greatest supporters don’t treat him kindly, these days it’s the yanks providing the persecution and after a tricky immigration encounter he swiftly lands in Camp X-Ray.

Brimming with topicality and blessed with a headline that could sell tickets by itself, this is destined to be a Fringe favourite, and you won’t be disappointed. Miraculous.

by Ian Phillips