Review: Marc Jennings – Bread and Circuses, Fringe 2025

Marc Jennings’ latest show, Bread and Circuses, has a big goal: to hide a sharp critique of modern society inside an hour of clever, deadpan stand-up.

The show begins with a classic Scottish comedian’s staple – slagging off the English -. Still, Jennings quickly steers this familiar topic into a much more personal and pointed critique of gentrification and spiralling housing costs in Glasgow. It’s an easy way to get a laugh, but it’s just the first step in a surprisingly thoughtful journey. While the themes are serious, Jennings’ delivery ensures the show remains a fun and funny experience that never feels like a lecture. You can go to this show without worrying about ancient Roman poets.

The Bigger Picture

The title Bread and Circuses comes from the famous phrase by the ancient Roman satirist Juvenal. His point was that the populace is easily distracted from political and economic issues by entertainment and food. This idea feels perfectly suited for today’s world, and Jennings touches on it by musing on things like AI and social media. These are big, heavy topics, and while he brings them up, he doesn’t linger too long. Instead, he applies the idea to his own life, using it as a lens to examine his high-flying stand-up career. He’s the one providing the “circuses” and, in turn, distracting himself from the bigger questions about his future. It’s a very clever way to frame the set, moving from external societal issues to a deeply personal self-critique.

The Personal & The Political

Jennings presents a surprisingly vulnerable side, discussing his own life as a tall, attractive, but still-single comedian. He’s not afraid to position himself as the “bad guy” to make a joke, whether he’s critiquing the English or discussing his dating escapades. He seems to revel in this persona, even when it involves him telling a story about a threesome. This willingness to turn the satirical lens on himself is what elevates the show. While he can be sharp-tongued about others, the real comedic depth comes when he applies the same scrutiny to his own life. This self-awareness offsets any potential meanness in his jokes and shows that his comedy isn’t just about punching down. It’s about a shared human experience of distraction, self-delusion and the search for connection.

Overall

Bread and Circuses is a smart, well-structured, and above all, very funny show. Marc Jennings is a classic stand-up comedian in the best sense of the word. His delivery is deadpan, and his jokes are built on strong insights and surprising reversals. The layering of personal anecdotes on top of a larger political and social theme is impressive. While it’s not ‘side-splittingly funny’ from start to finish, the show’s sustained intelligence and wit make it a highly enjoyable hour. If you’re looking for a clever, well-executed stand-up performance, Marc Jennings delivers. He’s a comedian at the top of his game, and this is a particularly appropriate show for a Monkey Barrel crowd.