Review: ACCIDENTAL INFLUENCER, Old Joint Stock Birmingham

Stage Door Johnny became a viral sensation during the global lockdown of 2020. His popularity surged when he tested the difference between Royal Mail's first and second class post. This moment made many of us, including this reviewer, realise how we had innocently accepted that second class post travels slower than first class, without questioning why. His quirky experiment became a source of inspiration for feeling less alone during isolation, catapulting Stage Door Johnny into "celebrity" and "influencer" status.

Accidental Influencer marks Stage Door Johnny's debut in stand-up comedy and the one-man show format. Interestingly, a “Stage Door Johnny” refers to a devoted fan of live theatre and performers; someone who habitually lingers around theatres. Despite being known for his digital presence, Stage Door Johnny appears remarkably at ease on stage. The intimate black box theatre at the Old Joint Stock buzzes with anticipation; there is no set to speak of, just a table with some water and a blank projection screen.

Accidental Influencer is a biographical tale of Stage Door Johnny's rise to "influencer" through the mediums of TikTok and Instagram. Johnny is incredibly self-aware, and his approach is modestly honest as he navigates his newfound celebrity. His tone is conversational, as if we were sharing a bottle of wine, fitting the show's narrative perfectly. Johnny makes himself vulnerable, which is as disarming as it is charming, creating a safe space for the audience to laugh heartily. This one-hour show is packed with laugh-out-loud moments and is surprisingly educational; the time flies as Johnny jumps from topic to topic, offering what feels like a secret sneak peek into the life of an influencer.

However, the show is greater than the sum of its parts. Johnny confesses that this is only the second time performing it in front of an audience, and it shows. There are edges that need softening and stories that need refining as we are taken on a journey that feels aimless, only to land at the final destination with no clear sense of how we arrived. It feels more like a collection of cherished memories rather than a cohesive story.

That being said, there are parts that are incredibly clever, such as the history of the influencer and the many strings to Johnny's bow beyond his wordsmith work, which he is now so fondly known for. There is something cathartic about having a good laugh, especially when shared with friends.

Accidental Influencer is well worth a visit, and we eagerly await its return to the stage to see how it evolves. We are proud to say we saw it first.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Alanna Boden