Hot Juans Review by Victoria Russell
★★★★★
Hot Juans at The Comedy Clubhouse turns up the heat—literally—by combining spicy peppers with comedy challenges in a hilariously fiery spectacle. Presented by Luke Messina and Stuart Kennedy, the show forces comedians and brave audience members to take on absurd comedic tasks while enduring the burning effects of increasingly hot sauces and peppers.
The chaos starts early, with Luke and Stuart steering the madness like seasoned captains of a sinking ship. Their quick banter and playful jabs keep the atmosphere lively, introducing each round with mock-serious gravitas before letting the contestants descend into spice-induced chaos. The result is an evening of unpredictable hilarity, where the line between comedy and survival begins to blur.
The evening’s lineup—Darren Cullen, Ewan May, Brielle Jobe, and Chadbert Bunchweth—brings a unique sense of humour to the tasks. Contestants face a gauntlet of fiery potatoes and peppers, including red chili, serrano, habanero, Carolina Reaper, and even the infamous Trinidad Scorpion (a pepper with an astounding Scoville heat unit of 1,463,700). It’s funny and almost heroic to see them try to deliver punchlines with burned mouths. One standout moment comes during a prison-themed improv challenge, where the comedians—desperately embracing their madness—use vomit noises to “rot the bars” and escape, reflecting their real struggle against the overwhelming heat. Another highlight is Darren Cullen nearly leaping off the stage after a particularly intense hit of hot sauce, all while gamely trying to complete a 3-minute comedy set without forgetting his story.
Audience participation adds another layer of unpredictability. Willing crowd members join the spicy fray, their reactions ranging from surprisingly composed to comically overwhelmed. This interaction keeps the energy fresh and ensures that no two nights of Hot Juans are ever the same.
Luke and Stuart deserve credit not just for their hosting but for maintaining a camaraderie that ensures the absurdity remains fun. Even as contestants wipe away tears (or sweat), the atmosphere stays light-hearted, creating a shared sense of hilarity and endurance.
More than just a comedy show, Hot Juans is an experience that combines relentless spice, improvisational inventiveness, and physical stamina. From the laughter to the tears (and possibly a few regrets), it’s a sizzling, unforgettable night. For anyone seeking a comedy experience as daring as it is adventurous and ridiculous, Hot Juans delivers—and then some.
This review of Hot Juans, created and hosted by Luke Messina and Stuart Kennedy, was based on their performance at The Comedy Clubhouse during the Barcelona Fringe Festival.
