Summary
From procreation to patriotism, Simpson’s set is filled with simple stories and serious swearing.
A serious special, indeed. Not only is Brian Simpson: Live from the Mothership the first hour-long special from up-and-coming comedian Brian Simpson, but it’s also the first special to be shot at The Comedy Mothership, the premier Austin, TX comedy venue owned by Joe Rogan. Simpson has brought the special to Netflix after doing short sets for the streamers’ show The Standups, and he appeared on its comedian showcase That’s My Time With David Letterman.
Simpson is a former foster child and Marine Corps veteran and found his comedy calling later in life after his service. Known for his podcast, B.S. with Brian Simpson, the comedian made his late-night debut on Lights Out with David Spade on Comedy Central. Now it’s time to take on the streaming giant Netflix. And while I appreciate all types of comedy, it does feel like Netflix will give anyone a special these days.
With a gentle swagger our comic strolls out to a standing ovation as audiences cheer him on stage. It’s an intimate setting, with some calming, cool blue lighting which nicely compliments his white-ish/yellow jumper.
The stage is small, which works as Simpson isn’t physical in his comedy. He either stands still or sits on the chair; he’s not one for being over-dramatic in his movements or voice.
He goes straight into his racial material, using some personal experiences of dealing with a casually racist Uber driver. Race plays a big part in his material and he clearly identifies strongly with it. When discussing his veteran days he jokes about being the only black person in his platoon and explaining racism to white people.
Simpson has a bit about reproducing and women’s cycles, which leads to men’s height and what women find sexy. Of course, he sneaks in some jokes about Covid and science — are we not over this yet? He then takes a dig at the British Royal family, not holding back calling them the Targaryens without dragons.
Simpson’s set is in the anecdotal storytelling style, but sometimes he has random pauses in his stories and between his jokes. These beats sometimes throw the tempo off and interrupt the flow. His voice is so monotone I sometimes found myself zoning out. Simpson’s comedy shines when he uses some enthusiasm and audience participation; building the energy in the room. Audiences need this when they’re sat at home watching and not in the live space.
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Brian Simpson has his audience
Simpson ends his set revealing a secret about all men… You’ll have to watch to find out what it is, but he ends on a high.
Overall, while I wasn’t laughing out loud, some sections tickled me. I will say that sometimes comedy doesn’t translate, and being a working-class, British, white woman, Simpson’s comedy isn’t tailored to me. Hearing and seeing the audience laughing, cheering, and applauding him, suggests we’ll be seeing a lot more of him in the future.
