24.29°C Harrison Kirby has only been performing comedy for just over a year, but his first Fringe show introduces audiences to Dr Jansen Majenkas, an eccentric academic armed with a PhD, a battered briefcase and, in Harrison’s words, “the worst hairstyle in the history of academia”.
Dr Majenkas arrives at Coda during this year’s Colchester Fringe Summer Weekender, convinced that the internet’s strangest conspiracy theories deserve to be taken seriously. That means emailing academics, pestering strangers on Reddit and Quora, and disappearing down increasingly unlikely online rabbit holes in search of answers.
Harrison says the character came from watching conspiracy theories move from the fringes of the internet into everyday conversation.
“It’s a comment on what conspiracy theory culture has become,” he said. “Something that once was niche has become one of the most talked about things in the world. Everyone has a conspiracy theory about something, so let’s see how silly they can get, and see who still thinks there’s truth in it.”
The character first found an audience after Harrison attended a friend’s comedy show and met comedian Elena Sirett, who runs the Attention Seekers nights in London.
“As soon as I did my first couple of shows in character, I felt like I was onto something really fantastic,” he said. “I love making people laugh. I feel like it’s in my blood.”
One thing audiences shouldn’t expect is Harrison stepping out of character.
“I come out on stage with my huge glasses and wild silver hair, and from that moment on, I am playing the bit as if it’s the most serious thing on the planet. If you’re a fan of deadpan delivery and going the lengths for a joke, you’re going to love this show.”
For anyone who enjoys character comedy and seeing an idea taken to its absolute limit, Dr Jansen Majenkas: Con(spiracy) Man promises an hour spent in the company of a man whose confidence is matched only by his questionable research methods.
Event Details
Venue: Coda, 63 High Street, Colchester
Thursday 23 July – 7pm
Sunday 26 July – 4.30pm
Running time: 60 minutes
Age guidance: 16+
Tickets: £12
Please note the show contains audience participation and strong language.
Tickets for Dr Jansen Majenkas: Con(spiracy) Man and the full Colchester Fringe Summer Weekender programme are available via the official festival website.
You can read the Keep Colchester Cool guide to the weekender here.
