The show’s stated theme is a philosophical discussion of how we end up where we end up, In actual fact this thread isn’t really followed up. What’s actually on offer is a grab bag of observational comedy, targeted at the international audience of the Fringe and centred around O’ Hanlon’s travels.
A solid show from a seasoned performer.
We hear about the stunningly-hot temperature in Dubai, the lackadaisical approach to border control in Ireland, the almost-insulting-but-friendly directness of Australia and why there will never, ever, ever be an international sex symbol called Seamus.
Woven throughout these globetrotting adventures are a few more tangents about O’ Hanlon’s life and background. This is all fairly general stuff - schoolmates, first jobs, the challenges of attracting the opposite sex when you look like “a ginger Gollum” - but told in an amiable enough way. Where O Hanlon’ really hits gold is talking about his Polish personal trainer and the sexually suggestive toning exercises he sets.
There are a few attempts at audience interaction - where are you from, what do you do, etc. - but these swiftly taper out; used more to give O’ Hanlon time to remember the next part of his routine than to prompt anything new. When he’s on familiar ground, however, he’s a confident stage presence with good timing and delivery.
You Are Where You Need To Be is a solid show from a seasoned performer. You may not spend the entire time creased-over or breathless but you’re likely to be chortling throughout.
