Jason Cook

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In 2008, the prodigious talent of Jason Cook seemed to burst out of nowhere. Although his debut the previous year had received a number of glowing reviews, few predicted the near-universal praise for his spectacular follow-up, Joy: the lank-haired Geordie’s affecting, hilarious, tear-jerking and uplifting paradox of a show that dealt with the pain of losing his father.

This year, Cook tackles the oppressive consequences of fear in a show (aptly titled Fear) which promises a similar juxtaposition between the comic and the tragic.

“Fear is used to control us,” he says “and ultimately prevents us from doing things, from striving to make every day different and really explore this thing we call life. Fear ultimately leads to regret, and a life filled with regret is no life at all.”

A comedian with a message, this year Cook sets out to convince us that no matter how scary life can be, we are not alone.