Jin Hao Li review: Surreal and surprising, a dream-like debut
Edinburgh Fringe
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Edinburgh Fringe 〰️
Image: Rebecca Need-Menear
by Zoe Paskett
People say that no one wants to hear about other people’s dreams but that’s because most people’s dreams are – say it with me – boring!!! Not Jin Hao Li. Jin Hao Li’s dreams are worth listening to and his nightmares, even more so.
His debut show Swimming in a Submarine takes the form of three recurring nightmares and three childhood dreams – it’s a neat structure around which Jin deftly weaves his introduction through birth, military service and university in Scotland (the big three). But if that sounds like a classic stand-up debut, it’s really nothing of the sort.
Typically softly spoken and surreal, Jin makes sure everything is unexpected. He’s not afraid of a jumpscare – though I am apparently, more than I thought – and often seems incredulous at his own words, as if it’s only just occurred to him how ridiculous they sound. He appears earnest for a second, then whips it away, replacing it with heavily dripping sarcasm before a sharp turn segue into something completely different that he’ll talk about for less than 30 seconds.
From the Yakuza bathtime monitor to a flirtatious, murderous spider, he paints a rich life for every character he conjures but remains undoubtedly Jin throughout it all, making each embodiment all the funnier when accompanied by his light, sweet delivery.
The surrealism of his stories and the tight assembly of the hour frame real life constituents: connecting with people, the reality of growing up, how to change a lightbulb, why men really hold up fish on their dating profiles…
As deferential to front-row audience members as he is dismissive of potential troublemakers at the back, Jin manages to show the wide scope of his comedic talent, winning the audience over before the show begins by roaming among us to make sure viewers are hydrated enough. It’s giving exactly what you want a debut to give. Just enough to wet the whistle – more actually – but the feeling of assurance that his sleeves must be fit to overflow for whatever comes next.
Jin’s is one of the debuts I’ve been most excited about seeing here, based in part on a small bit he did on a mixed bill and in part on his writing – he has penned two pieces for LMAOnaise in the space of a few months (the most recent of which you can read here) – and, let me tell you, I’m thrilled to have had all expectations surpassed. I left the show wearing an absolutely massive grin (hao li).
Jin Hao Li: Swimming in a Submarine is at Pleasance Courtyard (Below), 7:10pm. Tickets here
