Ian D Montfort: The One
Reviewed by Ineke Mules
As far as psychic comedians go, there are few and far between, until now. Ian D Montfort is a medium with a difference and his show will undoubtedly impress believers and sceptics alike.
Montfort is the alter-ego of Tom Binns, a UK based stand-up who is well-known for his character comedy. His most recent creation is a direct send up of those who claim to dabble in the mystical and with his mop of blonde hair, bare feet and white linen get-up, Montfort certainly looks the part. His demeanour even has a wistful, New Age vibe as he slowly paces along the stage, “feeling” the energy in the room. Held inside the tiny Cupola tent in the Garden of Unearthly Delights, it’s an intimate performance that was designed with audience participation in mind. There is no hiding from Montfort; after introducing himself as the Sunderland psychic who ‘can predict things’ (especially ‘the future’) he doesn’t waste any time identifying the non-believers in the room who will find themselves on the receiving end of his passive-aggressive jibes for the rest of the show.
The vast majority of Montfort’s predictions are laughably vague. You can’t deny that what he says isn’t true, but don’t expect any mind-blowing revelations (‘There is a woman here whose husband drinks beer. Does that make sense with you?’). It’s his unwavering confidence in his own psychic abilities, however, that prompts most of the laughs. Every line is delivered in perfect deadpan and it’s the nuances in his performance – a subtle eye-roll or a frustrated sigh – that really make it brilliant.
There is a twist to Montfort though; just when you think the evening will be spent humouring his erroneous cold readings, he starts to accurately establish star signs, anticipate numbers rolled on a die and even uncannily reproduce a picture drawn discreetly by an audience member in a game of ‘doodle-ology’. Not content to rely solely on parody, Binns has also learned the tricks of the trade. It’s genuinely impressive and leaves the audience baffled.
As mind-boggling as it is hilarious, Ian D Montfort’s The One is spoof comedy at its finest.
Ian D Montfort: The One, Garden of Unearthly Delights – Cupola, Feb 26 to March 16
