We sent our reviewer James to watch Aidan Jones: Chopin’s Nocturne

There is something incredibly joyful about watching someone nerd out over something they are really passionate about, especially when that something is somewhat unexpected. And so it is with self-professed ‘bald, Australian dickhead with a beard’ Aidan Jones’ Chopin’s Nocturne. 

As we enter the intimate surroundings of Studio 4, it’s apparent that there is a large range of ages in the room, possibly skewing slightly older, with the more senior members of the crowd perhaps anticipating a cosy afternoon of comedy about classical music. Whilst that’s not entirely untrue, the profanity-laden, early-90s rap that greets us as intro music and the excited chatter from the younger folk towards the back, suggest that there will be somewhat more to it than that. 

This is immediately confirmed with Jones’ high-energy entrance and straight stand-up routine that forms the opening of the show, and to which there may have been the occasional clutching of pearls. He moves soon enough to the piano and the feeling gradually shifts, bringing everyone along for the ride – he has skilfully combined both the comedy folks and the musical folks into a cohesive audience here for whatever he wants to share with us. The pacing of the show throughout is beautifully handled by Jones. Although very different in theme, the experienced navigation of shape of show reminded me of Hannah Gadsby’s expert structuring and control weaving comedy with other emotional elements.

As we get more and more into the music and its composer, the show really takes flight. It’s both fascinating and very funny and at no point do the various tone shifts feel jarring, which is quite the achievement. Jones manages to bring an early 19^th Century composer and his work into 2026 and make them both come alive. And I think this brings us to the heart of the piece. It feels like classical music is so often rarefied and sequestered behind ivory walls, within elitist cliques. But the ‘geniuses’ who originally produced it were, in the end, just people and their music should be available for everyone to enjoy. I really love this aspect of the show.

I have to admit, I may have been one of the pearl-clutchers near the beginning, but Jones’ enthusiasm, easy comic delivery and talent, won me over quickly. Aidan Jones: Chopin’s Nocturne is a joyous, life-affirming show from a very talented comedian and musician. Definitely one to put on the ‘Chopin’ list of things to catch at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.

Rating: **** 4 stars

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