Josh Sharp’s “ta-da!”: Google Slides Comedy Redefined
Josh Sharp’s “ta-da!” is a groundbreaking stand-up comedy show that redefines the genre by transforming a conventional presentation into an unconventional, hilarious double act with Google Slides. Billed as an “amazingly funny powerpoint presentation,” the show challenges the illusion of ‘off-the-cuff’ stand-up, instead featuring Sharp, an adorable Southern-drawled US comic, meticulously navigating a staggering 2,000 Google Slides in just 75 minutes. This “jackhammer of jokes” is described as both uncomplicated in concept and unfathomable in its miraculously brilliant execution, positioning Sharp as a new master of clicker-based comedy, potentially surpassing even Dave Gorman.
The show’s strength lies in its relentless comedic delivery and the unique interplay between Sharp and his visual aids, creating a “laugh a minute second lecture” that keeps the audience slack-jawed. While Sharp admits the core content—revolving around repressed adolescent sexuality, a terminally ill mother, and his own near-death experience—isn’t avant-garde, his masterful execution elevates it. He deftly employs subtext, dialect, wordplay, letter play, and even “butt play” to infuse humor into sensitive topics.
Specific examples of the show’s comedic genius include a bit on the perks of a wrestling party, which hilariously prompts audience tears and even spontaneous smooching, and an unforgettable anecdote about an overly-understanding doctor’s take on Sharp’s chlamydia diagnosis, humorously framed as “a sign you’re making friends.” The article highlights the show’s “uproariously good” stories, culminating in a “sheer magic” climactic reveal and continuous callbacks that resonate even as the audience departs. Sharp’s boundless energy ensures a show where he “doesn’t know when to stop,” leaving audiences thoroughly entertained by this innovative and intensely funny “runaway presentation/group therapy sesh.”
(Source: https://londonist.com/london/comedy/josh-sharp-ta-da-review-soho-theatre)
