Josh Sharp’s ta-da!, currently playing at the Soho Theatre in London, isn’t your typical comedy show. It’s a remarkably inventive, and often deeply moving, performance delivered through the unlikely medium of a 2,000-slide PowerPoint presentation. The show, which originated off-Broadway, blends sharp wit with poignant personal storytelling, creating an experience that is both hilarious and unexpectedly affecting.
Sharp, a former child magician, utilizes the rapid-fire pace of the slideshow not as a gimmick, but as a framing device for a narrative that explores themes of identity, loss, and the search for meaning. The sheer volume of slides – he promises one every 2.1 seconds – initially feels overwhelming, a deliberate tactic that mirrors the anxieties and distractions of modern life. But beneath the surface of the manic presentation lies a surprisingly intimate and vulnerable story.
The performance unfolds as a coming-out story, tracing Sharp’s journey from a Southern upbringing to life as a New Yorker. Woven into this personal narrative are reflections on his mother’s terminal cancer and a near-death experience, experiences that lend a profound emotional weight to the comedic elements. As The Guardian notes, Sharp grapples with uniting these disparate elements, even invoking Schrödinger’s cat and quantum immortality theory to explore the complexities of existence.
While the constant visual stimulation of the PowerPoint can occasionally feel distracting, it ultimately serves to underscore the show’s central theme: the attempt to control and order the chaos of life. Sharp acknowledges this himself, admitting the tech is partly designed to “conceal the cliche of talking parental bereavement and queer self-discovery on stage.” This self-awareness adds another layer to the performance, acknowledging the inherent artifice of confessional theatre.
ta-da! isn’t solely focused on heavy themes. Sharp’s comedic timing is impeccable, delivering solid stand-up bits – including one about “urban umbrella usage” and another, memorably, about a “weenie massage” – that provide moments of levity. His Gen-Z sensibilities are on full display, adding a contemporary edge to the performance. But it’s the tenderness he displays towards his parents that truly resonates, creating a connection with the audience that transcends the show’s unconventional format.
The show’s success lies in its ability to balance these seemingly opposing forces: the slick, technologically driven presentation and the raw, emotional honesty of Sharp’s storytelling. As Londonist describes it, ta-da! is “uncomplicated in concept, unfathomable in execution.” This combination makes for a truly unique and memorable theatrical experience.
Josh Sharp’s ta-da! is a testament to the power of innovative storytelling. It’s a show that challenges conventions, embraces vulnerability, and ultimately leaves the audience with a lot to suppose about – and a lot to laugh about. The performance runs at the Soho Theatre, London, until February 28th.
What comes next for Sharp remains to be seen, but the critical acclaim and enthusiastic audience response to ta-da! suggest a bright future for this rising comedic voice.
Have you seen ta-da!? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
