Review: Vittorio Angelone: you can’t Say Nothing any more, Fringe 2025

Vittorio Angelone’s show, “you can’t Say Nothing any more,” at the Monkey Barrel felt more like a masterclass in challenging thought than a straightforward comedy gig.

Before the show even began, the venue provided a unique and highly on-brand welcome: paid protestors trying to persuade those queuing to see the show to leave. It was a clever, witty, and perfectly pitched start, setting the tone for a show that promises to explore whether comedians have a responsibility to speak out on topics like “Free Palestine” and climate change.

A Cleverly Constructed Challenge

Angelone’s performance is a tightrope walk between being an intellectual provocateur and a brilliant comedian. He immediately disarms the audience by addressing the very premise of his show. Growing up after The Troubles in Belfast, he notes that his parents don’t talk about it, and lacking their experience, he feels he should not be the one to offer comments about it. This reflection ties back to the central thesis of the show: should comedians use their platforms to recognise and highlight important issues? It’s a clever way to frame the debate, and it provides a strong and consistent arc for the hour.

His self-awareness is particularly sharp when he turns his attention to comedy reviewers. He knew one was in the crowd (me? gulp) and playfully dared them to give him a one-out-of-five-star review. This kind of reviewer-baiting is a testament to his confidence and his ability to engage with the meta-narrative of his own career. Then again, maybe he does this every show. It’s a great bit and certainly got the audience onside, even as he was preparing to challenge their own political beliefs.

Provocative, Thoughtful, and Funny

The core question of the show – is this funny? – is one Angelone tackles head-on. My answer is an unequivocal yes. He manages to make deeply provocative subjects hilarious, and his set is packed with intelligent jokes and clever reminisces. While not every joke lands with side-splitting laughter, the majority are razor-sharp, and the punchlines often land with an audible giggle from the audience. Angelone walks a difficult line, denying he is either left-wing focused or a right-wing “edgelord,” and while managing to annoy either (or both equally). His success is in the fact that he forces you to think, and you are entertained while doing so.

A standout moment came with a discussion about delivery drivers and whether they are an exploited underclass, drawing a connection between Deliveroo and Dubai. It’s a powerful point, and the audience, many of whom were plus-ones brought along by dedicated fans, were clearly captivated. Angelone has found his audience – a smart and engaged crowd willing to be challenged. Importantly, he challenges himself too, regretting that trip to Dubai. This is not a show for those seeking an easy hour of light-hearted fun. This is a show that offers something more substantial.

Overall

Angelone’s “you can’t Say Nothing any more” is an excellent example of comedy with substance. He successfully lands his messages while making the crowd laugh, proving that “a spoonful of sugar does help the medicine go down.” This is not an average gig; it’s an intelligent and entertaining exploration of what it means to be a comedian with a platform in today’s world. Angelone is a smart and witty performer who proves that a comic can challenge and entertain in equal measure.