Disclaimer: I know nothing about Classical Music! It’s not a requirement to watch Aidan Jones – Chopin’s Nocturne, in fact its probably the best way to be educated. During COVID Jones decided to play piano again and thought “I’m a comedian…why not combine my love of comedy with classical music!” What you get is one highly educational crazy comedic lesson in Chopin!

Jones starts with a monologue of life stories and how he formed the show before he assertively flicked his coattails like a pro to perform a Chopin concerto. As I said earlier, I don’t know anything about Classical Music. In fact, I had to Google concerto but once he started playing the piano I was transported in time to the 1800s. The whole show was like a time machine weaving from the 2020s through to the 1800s and back to the 2020s with funny personal stories blended with the fascinating life story of Chopin.

Sporting a wig, for classical piano playing credibility, Jones gives us a blow-by-blow lesson on each key, each melody, and a running commentary on what would have gone through the mind of Chopin. It’s a blast of historical music hilarity and he manages to explain (or he gave us his interpretation) in modern day terms the meaning and emotions of Chopin’s concerto. We get all the major and minor keys when he plays the piano and then the rough and tumble standup comedy when he gets back on the mic.

The show is not just a comedy or a lesson on Chopin. While it started with a slow burn, it ended with a bang. On this night he was given a standing ovation, which he was genuinely taken aback, but thoroughly deserved. You walked away with an appreciation of Chopin and towards Aidan Jones. He’s funny, he’s passionate and he will make you appreciate the fine complexities of Classical Music.