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Soho theatre, LondonAn AI comedian cracks jokes tailored to the audiences internet search history in this spoof corporate presentation

Thu 13 Jul 2023 12.38 EDT

Streaming platforms increasingly tailor content to our own, unique tastes. Imagine if a standup could do the same? Thats the promise held out by Richard Eagleton, founder and CEO of Standup Solutions and developer of KENN, the worlds first AI comedian, in this spoof corporate presentation by Conner OMalley. This US act has cultivated a covetable reputation for his online work, and theres much to enjoy in this parody of Silicon Valley values and tech utopianism. But its not subtle, and its characterisation of OMalleys digital guru alter ego is not a surprising one.

The joke to begin with, and the first seed sewn that Eagleton may be something less than a slick success, is that the revolutionary AI development were promised is endlessly withheld. First we get to hear about Eagletons childhood in Des Plaines, Illinois. Then all about his beloved car, extensive tech spec very much included. Then about his workout routine and diet, a livelier section sending up the bizarre, macho behaviour of performative, competitive wellbeing.

The problem is that OMalleys loud and overhyped character can make for grating company, and the joke about how boring he is isnt always funny enough to forestall actual boredom. Just as later, the joke that KENN (whom we encounter on-screen only) is a crap standup doesnt offset the crapness of his comedy. But we mustnt blame KENN: he works, his inventor claims, by data-mining his audience, and delivering the jokes their internet history suggests theyll find funny. These are compelling ideas, but they too often devolve here into jokes about porn and poo. When Eagletons backstory reveals itself, meanwhile, as one of cuckoldry and business failure, its not exactly unexpected.

In the shows favour, OMalley gets this across in his vulnerable if not his brasher moments with some artful character work, and latterly, some neat faux home videos too. No mere online comic, hes also good with the crowd, his improvised material more sensitive and less strident than the actual set. A show tailored to my tastes, by AI or otherwise, would see this lighter touch more widely applied.

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Conner OMalley review Silicon Valley parody delivers standup solutions - The Guardian