Ryan Mold is a confident, likeable presence on stage, unafraid to work an audience, and seemingly full of observations and anecdotes. His newest show, Breaking the Mold, finds him contemplating mortality, fertility, and being brought up by grandparents near leafy Banbury. Those who read his blurb, or this review will know this contemplative mood is a result of said grandparents passing away.
So for all his comical scorn for the Z-list celebs who turn on the Christmas lights, or the liberal attitudes of an itinerant ‘video man’, you hear the nostalgia loud and clear. It’s cosy, familiar stuff, and if it’s not hilarious, Ryan’s schtick is always likeable. He’s also impressive when speaking with an audience, indicating a quick wit he could, perhaps, exploit even more.
That said, he’s on strong ground when discussing his current domestic situation, including his nut allergy, his partner’s peanut butter addiction, and the resulting mutually assured destruction gig they have going as a result. Then there’s rants on using Facebook Marketplace, ‘Up-selling’ Undertakers, and don’t get him started on the modern supermarket experience.
“He’s also impressive when speaking with an audience, indicating a quick wit he could, perhaps, exploit even more.”
There are hints of mourning and post-death admin running through the show as well – why else is he so concerned with selling a commode? It comes on strongest at the very end, but is otherwise a little hidden behind talk of his Car Mechanic’s unfortunately Jihadi-themed business name, and Micro-pig scams. Transactions seem to occupy Ryan Mold’s mind a great deal, and it comes through loud and clear.
Oddly enough, however, this interest in how human’s do commerce does lend itself to a well-structured, and easy to follow show. Overflowing with good humour, Mold is a strong performer with a big voice who keeps a room onside even when he’s not being laugh-out-loud funny. In many ways he’s a classic British comedian, from the everyday observations, to the cheeky moans about his home life.
That’s a double-edged sword, however, his bantery ‘good bloke’ demeanour winning the audience over, but maybe making Ryan a little complacent when it comes to timing and delivery. A little more attention to layering, call-back, and timing could take good material on Duolingo, or his ignorance of automobile maintenance, and make it hilarious.
Nevertheless, audiences can be sure of a good time in Ryan Mold’s company. Breaking the Mold may not be revolutionary, but you’ll certainly walk away smiling. If he can harness his charm, and talent for crafting jokes, and sharpen up his delivery skills, he may yet break out!
Show details
Venue: Venue 259: The Hanover Tap (The Wee Tap)
(Google Maps)
Date(s): Jul 31 – Aug 23 (24 shows)
Time(s): 12:00 PM (1 hour)
Age recommendation: 18+
Price: Pay What You Can (from £5)
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