Michael John Ciszewski: If Memory Serves

Bojack Horseman meets Daniel Sloss ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Loved the title of the show in itself, but the entire show was gloriously funny and raw, both held masterfully by Michael. My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire show, loved the sound design and characterisation during non-speaking moments, and the intimacy of the venue that allowed us to feel like we were being directly spoken to despite the others in attendance. Also didn't anticipate a film I only recently saw holding such relevance to my life, but very grateful it was fresh in my mind!

As a local within Edinburgh, this is the kind of show I feel is representative of how I felt about the Fringe growing up - excited, accessible, providing of variety, intimate, and reflective of how the Fringe can provide a platform for talented artists that go on to do bigger things. I reckon Micahel will go far with this show! Cannot recommend it more! :)

*edit - that's a lie, I can, I can absolutely recommend this show more - go see it, treat yourself to an enjoyable start to your afternoon! Go see his shows in NY!

A friend brought me to this and I was genuinely shocked how good it was for it being lunchtime and an American I’ve never heard of. Really, that sort of thing is very Fringe but best case scenario for the Fringe. Jokes and stories with an edge that grounds its sweeter moments, all very earned. The sound design too was impressive and let us into the comedian’s sober journey while also packing in quite a few laughs itself. Excellent jokes, moving stories. Even quite profound at times despite all of its named stupidity. It was clear how much care the comedian took in crafting something that feels like a stan-up special. Auspicious kickoff for a day at the festival. Go see it before it’s gone, highly recommended.

I was smiling the whole time. The content was relatable and heartfelt with the right amount of cheek. It reminded my of Everything I Know About Love if Dolly Alderton was gay and did stand up; A column in The Cut brought to life. The delivery especially stood out, and was detailed and thoughtful, from the prop use to the physicality. A great first show of the day.

I feel so SAFE in Michael’s hands! As a comedian, he holds the room like a pro and knows exactly what he wants and how he’s gonna get it. The format is engaging, I am OBSESSED with the self help tapes sprinkled throughout. There is SO MUCH to feast on here, especially for us little gays who escape into pop culture, losing ourselves in the only comfort we feel accepted in. I am in awe of Michael’s bravery in sharing the deepest, darkest moments of his life and his journey with sobriety is truly inspiring. Do NOT miss this show!!

Succinctly put, I thought this was right genius. Feels like it was dropped from a Netflix or something and onto an intimate stage at lunch, it’s so well done and assured.

The jokes are some of the silliest and brightest and smartest I have seen this Fringe, and when the show moves into some of its more story time elements, it does so with confidence with comedy and levity never far behind. I think this is a Fringe debut and with that considered, it is a remarkably pro, confident, and composed thing that is elevated in all the right ways and still quite silly and loose all the same.

A favourite of my monthlong haul here for sure and one of the best comedy hours at Fringe. I am eager to see where Michael goes with his career and hope he returns to Fringe with more. I’d watch this again or even at home on Netflix with a nice rosé. I think he wouldn’t mind much considering how deftly he presents his own sobriety as not some kind of religious thing but rather an invite to emphasize the things we love in our lives that mean more than, say, a vice. For such a funny and gay hour of comedy, it leaves a really sweet impression.

I’m so glad I caught it. Highly recommended. 5*****

This was a hilarious and thoughtful show, a great mix of comedy and storytelling! Michael is a charismatic, funny, and engaging performer, and the production elements were also all really polished. Everything about the show felt super intentional, well-considered, and most of all joyful. This was a great way to start my day at the Fringe.

I was confused

The play started of as a play it really wasn't stand up comedy.

It was entertaining all the same. It's tightly scripted. One of the audience was laughing at every comment as if they were stoned which was confusing as you feel like you've missed the joke.

The performer is handsome and likeable and would definitely be better listed as a one man play.

An experience of journey sobriety outside of a recovery meeting is worth sharing.

This show took so many heart felt and hilarious turns I was fully enraptured the entire hour needing to know what was going to happen next. Michael John’s ability and willingness to let the audience into their heart truly touched mine. I will also never be able to look at Bradley Cooper the same way.

Michael John delivers an entertaining, vulnerable, and hilarious performance in If Memory Serves. His sharp retelling of various snippets of his life accompanied by theatrical flares throughout the show left me in awe of his storytelling capabilities. This is definitely a must-see at the Fringe this year!

This show felt like it was over as soon as it begun, so compelling is the nature of Michael John’s storytelling. In 60 minutes he took us on the enthralling journey of the beginning of his adult life, weaving a tale that leaves you feeling like you’re right there for every mishap, like you’re in the room to witness every punch line. The perfect balance of pop culture, the gay perspective and tongue in cheek self deprecation. I would watch this show 10 times more if I could. I am so very looking forward to what is shaping up to be an illustrious career in comedy for this fantastic artist. 5*

A moving stand-up-slash-theatre show meditating on sobriety, healing, and being extremely gay. Michael exudes warmth and charm that immediately gets us on side.

Michael John is my muse. He is so f*cking hilarious and so vulnerable, and he does it all in a stand up hour? He is my Gaga. He is my religion. A stunning show leaving you with smiles and hope. If memory serves, Michael John is serving charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. He’s giving you an unforgettable afternoon with this brilliant show. Run to see.

Michael John Ciszewski is a delight to watch. Navigating the story of his sobreity with his sharp humour that immerses you in his experiences of watching addiction unravel before his eyes (I wasn't a messy twink in New York in the 2010s, but I left feeling like I had been there, done that). I can't wait to see more!

Michael has a natural charisma onstage that makes you want to sit in the theater and continue watching him for another hour. This show is smart, funny, touching, and honest. He also CARES about his audience. He ensures that you're on the journey with him and it feels like the show is for you the audience. I can't recommend this enough, do yourself a favor and start your afternoon off well by seeing it.

I’ve never met someone who feels as deeply about lady Gaga as me. Incredible!

I had such an amazing time at If Memory Serves. Michael John is a powerhouse onstage and someone you truly can’t take your eyes off of. He’s hilarious, has incredible storytelling abilities, and an A+ Bradley Cooper impression. If you’re looking for something to get your afternoon on the right foot, this show is for you!

What a show! Michael John's way of telling his story and managing to show both the heartache and humour in it was amazing. I couldn't look away and haven't been able to stop thinking about the show since I left

This show is the funny, gay, sober content I’ve been waiting for!! Plus Michael John is charismatic AF!

Michael John is an incredibly engaging performer, with a wonderful wit and a very relatable tale to tell. A delightfully queer hour filled with himbo energy, references both high- and low-brow, and stories that reveal hope in some of life's darkest moments.

Michael is an incredible performer that had me cackling from start to finish! He is so relatable, so like-able, and so so hilarious. His sober and sobering tale is one we all have to hear, and his love for Lady Gaga is so perfectly used and executed in this show!

Comedy before lunch? Why not? Michael's plot is really clear and witty. And his gay Bradley Cooper persona charmed enough to listen to "Shallow" all over again.

Absolutely impeccable, perfectly pitched and highly personal standup, superbly written and immaculately performed. Over the course of an hour, Michael John Ciszewski reveals himself to be a witty and loveable performer, with a keen sense of storytelling. I'd recommend this wholeheartedly to anyone, but, if you are (like me) always on the lookout for joyfully queer performers, this is a must-see show.

I cannot say enough positive things about this production. Go now. Go to it. Okay. The script is impeccable. Michael’s comedic delivery is sublime and snappy. The direction is masterful. The sound and lighting design enhances the (already stellar) proceedings. This is high caliber work of true professionals. 10/10.

This is my favorite show I’ve seen at the fringe. The tech is impressive and thoughtful, the story is moving, and Michael John is captivating. His storytelling is electric and he makes you feel like a best friend, even from the audience. If I can recommend one show you have to see this year, it’s this one. Blown away!

Michael is a natural storyteller and has created a must-see show at this year's fringe. With humor, humility, and heart, If Memory Serves reminds us all that there's so much to love about being alive, and that each of us holds the keys to our own story.

A perfect show! Brilliantly funny and beautifully humane with an incredible performer at the center. Cannot think of a better way I’ve spent an afternoon at this year’s Fringe!