Comedian Seeks Peace, Finds Chaos in Crystals

Comedian Dan Tiernan has presented his latest show, "Quartz and All," at Monkey Barrel Comedy in Edinburgh. The performance centers on Tiernan's professed interest in healing crystals like rose quartz for calm and black tourmaline for grounding, presented as a search for inner peace. However, the show reveals that these crystals have not seemingly achieved their intended effect, as Tiernan remains one of the least calm and grounded performers.

Tiernan's act is characterized by its frenetic energy and deep-seated self-loathing. He openly discusses his ambivalent feelings about his sexuality and appearance, framing the crystals as a last resort for someone who feels freakish and unlovable. This internalised-bully style of comedy, while often hilarious and leading to moments like a vivid sketch of a man tormented by cleansing rituals, can also be uneasy viewing, especially in comparison to other contemporary comedians.

Despite a nomination for outstanding show at the Melbourne comedy festival, "Quartz and All" is not necessarily a significant leap forward for Tiernan. His reliance on crude humor occasionally derails the performance, such as a gratuitous joke referencing Muslim identity. Nevertheless, the show contains moments of brilliance, including an excellent joke about the butterfly effect and a memorable callback imagining his act performed by a hypothetical Chinese comedian. These instances highlight Tiernan's potential as a comic worth supporting.