James Keating describes himself as an “underground comedian”, referencing both the Basement Theatre venue and his understated comedy career. However, this one-liner comedian deserves to be proudly displayed above ground.

His dry, deadpan delivery perfectly complements his meticulously crafted punchlines. His relentless barrage of exceptionally well-written jokes across a near-endless list of topics prompts continuous laughter and genuine marvel at his genius. His inventive wordplay is truly outstanding. My personal favourite involves “bamboo underpants”, with a punchline that is well worth the ticket price alone.

Though his style is deadpan, Keating is far from morose. The sparkle in his eyes and the smile on his face reveal genuine enjoyment. It’s clear he’s having as much fun on stage as his audience is.

At the heart of Autistic Flair is a recent autism diagnosis at age 46, explored through self-reflection and self-deprecation. He illustrates how his artistic process is informed by his autistic process. Notably, an extreme literalism that forms the foundation for his comedy.

Keating openly shares his sensory sensitivities, from discomfort with fluorescent lights to loud noises. He explains how he needed earmuffs to endure his brother’s snoring. Later in life, he gifted earmuffs to his brother’s wife at their wedding to address the same nightly nuisance.

The finale offers a deeper glimpse into Keating’s unique mindset. He plays a pre-recorded cassette tape explaining how he processes information. He admits he lacks the spontaneous improvisation skills useful for conversation, but he is adept at thinking deeply and critically. A poignant and self-aware encapsulation of his approach to comedy.

Ultimately, Autistic Flair succeeds not in spite of autism, but precisely because of the rich, insightful perspective it provides. If you’ve ever imagined a comedian who blends the witty brevity of Stewart Francis, the relentless cleverness of Tim Vine, and the dry delivery of Steven Wright, James Keating’s show is an absolute must-see.

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