This Review is from August 2024
Hard to Say chronicles Kyle Ayers’ ongoing battle with Trigeminal Neuralgia, a crippling pain disorder often referred to as “Suicide Disease”. With daily flare-ups causing excruciating pain in his head and face, Kyle aims to find the humour in his situation, no matter how painful it is.
The comedian describes his journey from initial symptoms, through various treatments including brain surgery. He recounts the challenges of living with chronic pain, including the absurdity of some quack remedies.
Hard to Say is not quite there yet as a performative experience. Kyle’s comedy style is laid back and conversational, which normalises the daily trauma as opposed to dramatizing it. We can imagine how awful it must be to live with pain every day, but sadly the comedian tells, not shows.
That said, Kyle is a strong joke writer. His skill is in getting an audience to laugh with him as he discusses a life of agony. This isn’t an easy thing to do. While the show is less than what is can be, we hear some very good jokes as we learn. I hope he continues to work on Hard to Say because, if he does, it will get there. I hope even more that a cure is found for this horrendous condition.
Martin Walker
Publication of this review was delayed due to the writer getting Covid.
Interview with Kyle Ayers
Kyle’s Profile HERE
Reviews of Kyle Ayers presents: Hard to Say collated by the British Comedy Guide HERE
