Nick Taras’ Comedy Reviews Beat Off
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Nick Taras’ Comedy Reviews Beat Off

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FAST FOOD COUNT

Pieface – 0

Subway – 2

Hungry Jack’s – 1

KFC – 2

Macca’s – 1.5 (breakfast menu so doesn’t count)

Pepperoni’s – 1

“IF YOU LIKED THE SHOW, TELL YOUR FRIENDS, IF YOU DIDN’T…SHUT THE HELL UP!” COUNT

6

“THIS ONE TIME A HECKLER YELLED [INSERT INSULT]…I’VE GOTTA STOP INVITING MY MUM TO MY SHOWS!” COUNT

4

DICKS I’VE SEEN ONSTAGE (INCLUDING OFFSTAGE – REAL FUNNY GUYS) COUNT

3

***

SHOW 39: WIL ANDERSON

Really engaging 70 minutes from one of the festival’s blue-chip comics, who’s even funnier now that he’s stopped talking about his hip. I felt like he occasionally pandered to the audience with beliefs that most in the crowd share, but it was still fun to bond over the idiocy of misogynists, right-wing media personalities and gun-rights activists. Wil is always a joy to see.

If you liked this, check out: Damien Power.

SHOW 38: IVAN ARISTIGUETA

Adorable show. Nothing ground-breaking, but Ivan’s performing stand-up in his second language and nailing it.

If you liked this, check out: CJ Delling.

SHOW 37: JOEL CREASEY

He’s such a captivating storyteller and I didn’t want it to end. I was more engaged with the gossiping than laughing riotously at it, but if you like a good celebrity bitch-sesh then head along.

If you liked this, check out: Katherine Ryan.

SHOW 36: PAUL FOOT

It’s hard to recommend Paul’s absurd comedy to people because you just don’t know if they’ll be open to his weirdness. But this is such a well-crafted show. I grew tired of Paul’s routines in the past but this time round, each ridiculous tale was just the right dosage. Go along for something different. And for Foot connosieurs, check out his hair in the ’90s:

If you liked this, check out: John Kearns.

SHOW 35: JIMEOIN

Nothing much needs to be said about this show. You know you’re in for funny faces and solid observational humour. He’s not revolutionising comedy but he’s doing it well.

If you liked this, check out: Milton Jones.

SHOW 34: CALYPSO NIGHTS – JUAN VESUVIUS

So much fun. It was just this for an hour:

Juan’s finished his run, but if you liked this, check out: Tessa Waters.

SHOW 33: HEADLINERS

Headliners has finished for 2015, so if you missed it then you suck. I’m not gonna waste anyone’s time with a longer review, but this was an impressive lineup with thoroughly distinct styles. Check out Wil Sylvince (show 10) – he was in Headliners last year and his show this year has one of the best routines about doggystyle in the festival.

If you liked this, check out: Wil Sylvince.

SHOW 32A: WATCHING MY FRIEND TELL MATT OKINE ABOUT HOW EXCITED SHE IS TO EAT A PIE WHEN SHE GETS HOME THAT NIGHT

“He wouldn’t date a girl who loves carbs! What was I thinking!”

SHOW 32: STEEN RASKOPOULOS

Every year I get chosen by Steen to go onstage. Every fucking year. And I always think I’d be way better in the other sketches than the one I’m chosen for. So disappointed in myself that I forgot the lyrics to Call Me Maybe. The song brings back a lot of trauma and I panicked. Anyway, Steen’s style of sketch is awesome. His clever setups make it so easy for the audience to be funny. Highly recommend this show.

If you liked this, check out: Susie YoussefMax & IvanAunty Donna.

SHOW 31: JEN KIRKMAN

This show wasn’t for me. Felt overly rehearsed. It was like she was reading off a teleprompter. That being said, plenty in the crowd seemed to enjoy her tales about divorce, grey pubic hair and sleeping with younger men. Basically the story of my life, but thirty shows in, there was nothing special in this.

If you liked this, check out: Katherine Ryan.

SHOW 30: HEIDI O’LOUGHLIN

Stunning debut. Taking the audience through her home country’s history and family background, this show is a perfect example of the benefits of writing about what you know. She’s just so lovable. Unfortunately Heidi’s finished her run early, but that was an incredibly strong hour for a newcomer.

If you liked this, check out: FanFiction ComedyComedy Zone.

SHOW 29: ADAM ROZENBACHS

I thought the first ten minutes featured fairly hackneyed material and predictable punchlines. But the second half took off, and his experiences performing for troops in Afghanistan were interesting. Not his best show, but enjoyable enough.

If you liked this, check out: Nick Cody.

SHOW 28: FANCY BOY

Take the 11pm timeslot as a warning – this show is fucked. Some of the audience were covering their mouths in shock. It’s like watching a real life version of South Park. Incredibly fun but have a drink beforehand.

If you liked this, check out: Sam Simmons & Dr Brown.

SHOW 27: RONNY CHIENG

Ronny is killing it. The demand is ridiculous. Might as well move him to the MCG. This is one of the few shows that felt like it went really quickly. I’d seen a lot of this material but it’s hard not to find his arrogant onstage persona hilarious. You can’t go wrong with Ronny.

If you liked this, check out: Miles Milson.

SHOW 26: NAZEEM HUSSAIN

Nazeem may or may not have dated my sister about ten years ago so I’ll die before I give him a positive review. Seriously though, he’s actually great. Just like his SBS show Legally Brown, he touches on race and religion without being preachy or forced. There were a few lulls in the show, but he’ll tighten them up as the festival continues. I’m pretty sure he’s sold out every show until 2017 but if you can get a ticket it’s a solid hour.

If you liked this, check out: Damien PowerDilruk Jayasinha.

SHOW 25: DAMIEN POWER

No Australian comedian explores the human condition in a funnier way than Damien. His debut show in 2013 was nominated for Best Newcomer, and this show is a return to form. I love the way he plays with big ideas but never loses sight that this is comedy show. You will, however, come away thinking about his ideas. Please see this show.

If you liked this, check out: Ari Shaffir.

SHOW 24: COMEDY ZONE

These are five of Australia’s best emerging comedians. One comic, Matt Stewart, won the entire RAW comedy competition last year. Another, Ciaran Lyons, is just 18 years old. With five young comedians all up, you’ll get a kick out of at least a few, and supporting these talented up-and-comers is worth your money alone.

If you liked this, check out: Comedy Zone Asia.

SHOW 23: GEORGIE CARROLL

A must-see show for every nurse in Melbourne. The audience were 90% nurses and absolutely adored this debut show from Georgie. She has fantastic timing for a newcomer. I did, however, feel like I was stuck on a hens’ night. 

If you liked this, check out: Denise ScottLawrence Mooney.

SHOW 22: TONY LAW

Absolute train wreck – intentionally. There are no jokes, just sort of dream-like tangents. It’s batshit. He’ll either be your favourite of the fest or you’ll curse his name forever.

If you liked this, check out: John Kearns.

SHOW 21: KATHERINE RYAN

Brave material. Brutally bitchy but not annoyingly so. She asked if anyone knew which celebrity’s nude photos famously leaked a few months ago and I answered “Jennifer Lawrence” a little too quickly, which was a mistake. How embarrassment. Katherine’s pretty wicked, so don’t go if you’re easily offended.

If you liked this, check out: Anne Edmonds.

SHOW 20: NINA CONTI

Ventriloquist Nina Conti forms a show based on the audience’s storylines. Tonight she placed four masks on two pairs of newlyweds, and the improvised element makes it so thrilling. It’ll be different every night, but Nina is so talented that she’ll usually create something brilliant.

If you liked this, check out: Sammy J & Randy.

SHOW 19: TESSA WATERS

Winner of Outstanding Comedy Show at the 2014 Melbourne Fringe, Tessa plays a rambunctious dancer with a bizarre off-centre South American accent. It takes a while to warm up to her and join the fun, but once you do, it’s a fucking party. There are no real jokes so the comedy is carried by character work, but if you’re open to her style then you’ll love it.

If you liked this, check out: Luisa Omielan.

SHOW 18: ANNE EDMONDS

God, Eddo is amazing. It’s the whispered phrases in-between jokes like ‘happiness…so elusive’ and ‘sadness eh?’ that kill me. She destroys at Festival Club every year. Perhaps her material is more widely appreciated in rowdy environments than an 8.30pm show. It’s not for everyone – the material is pretty twisted – but not many do cynical comedy better than her.

If you liked this, check out: Mike Wilmot.

SHOW 17: MATT OKINE

From status anxiety to insecurity, I love Matt’s honesty in this. It’s the sort of show that men, especially young men, can learn a lot from. He shares so much about his mistakes and fears that the show sticks with you afterwards. Interesting themes, unique angles topped with his expert delivery, this show is special.

If you liked this, check out: Alex Edelman.

SHOW 16: DR BROWN

Best show I’ve seen in three years. Clowning perfection. Tonight was a one-off repeat of Dr Brown’s Barry Award-winning show of 2012, so if you missed it then…

You can still catch Dr Brown in a joint show with Sam Simmons (show 4).

If you liked this, check out: Trygve WakenshawThe Broccoli Brothers.

SHOW 15: TOM GLEESON

He opened the show joking about other people’s depression, and gave an audience member the number for Beyond Blue. I guess I’m just so used to comedians joking about their own depression that I found this a little jarring. The peaks of this show are great but it’s fairly uneven.

If you liked this, check out: Dave ThorntonLawrence Mooney.

SHOW 14A: THE LAMB SKEWERS THEY SERVE ON THE ROOFTOP AT THE GREEK CENTRE

Great delivery and timing.

If you liked this, check out: chicken skewersvegetarian skewers.

SHOW 14: NEW ORDER UK (PHIL WANG, LAZY SUSAN & DANE BAPTISTE)

Dane Baptiste was outstanding but the lethargic Sunday audience weren’t biting on Phil Wang nor Lazy Susan.

If you liked this, check out: Max & Ivan, Aunty Donna.

SHOW 13: MAX & IVAN

Really cute show. Misfired on most of their Family Guy-style cutaways but the characters and narrative were impressive. Shockingly filthy – in a good way. Go if you like sketch.

If you liked this, check out: Steen RaskopoulosSusie Youssef.

SHOW 12: HANNAH GADSBY

Her stuttering-style seemed forced and put me off the first the 15 minutes. I could see the hilarity and brilliance but I just didn’t feel it. Probably more my issue than hers.

If you liked this, check outMichael HingJudith Lucy.

SHOW 11: JAMES ACASTER

Charming show. Absurd and clever, but I didn’t lose myself in it.

If you liked this, check out: Alex EdelmanAlasdair Tremblay-Birchall.

SHOW 10: WIL SYLVINCE

Loved it. Similar material to his Headliners set last year. Amazing physical delivery. It was awkward that he kept checking with the techie how long he had left. Still, I laughed the whole time. One of the best bits about doggystyle you’ll see this festival.

If you liked this, check out: Headliners.

SHOW 9: DAVE THORNTON

Excellent crowd work and enjoyable enough but nothing really special.

If you liked this, check out: Tommy Little…

SHOW 8: ROD QUANTOCK & FIONA SCOTT-NORMAN

Here’s me Nick ‘Taros’ (or ‘Tazos’ as it was pronounced).

SHOW 7: SAM SIMMONS

This is one of the most innately hysterical opening five minutes you’ll see this festival. Sam is just so confident and comfortable in his weirdness that if you’re not onboard, he makes you feel like you’re the weird one. But do we need to be constantly reminded how weird it is? If you rely on silliness to be funny, does your show have to progressively get more bizarre to continually surprise the audience? His amazing late-night joint show with Dr Brown (Show 4) builds up to something, but for some reason Sam holds back in his solo show. He’s got the fan base now – I think he’s ready to take it to next level insanity. It’s still a wildly fun hour of comedy, and perfect if you’re looking for something different.

If you liked this, check out: John KearnsTony Law.

SHOW 6: NICK CODY

Cody’s an expert at building a warm, captivating mood in the audience exploring diverse material ranging from his experiences performing for SAS troops to embarrassing family moments. It’s hard not be sucked in by his conversational style. He effortlessly makes you feel like you’re old mates with him. Worth your money.

If you liked this, check out: Bart Freebairn.

SHOW 5: TOMMY LITTLE

Tommy’s crowd work was sublime tonight. Nothing particularly daring in the hour, it’s just safe material executed extremely well. You’ll laugh, you’ll enjoy it but you’ll soon forget it.

If you liked this, check out: Dave Thornton…

SHOW 4: SAM SIMMONS & DR BROWN

Chaos. I had a sandwich thrown in my face – and that was the most normal part of the show. Seriously fucked up, but so much fun. You might cry in the shower afterwards but it’s worth the trauma.

If you liked this, check out: Fancy BoyJohn Kearns.

SHOW 3: ALEX EDELMAN

Hilarious young talent raised in the Boston comedy scene. Polished, engaging delivery and it’s hard not to fall under his charm. Won Best Newcomer at the 2014 Edinburgh Fringe for a reason. Blue chip ticket.

If you liked this, check out: Matt OkineLiam RyanDilruk Jayasinha.

SHOW 2: JUSTIN HAMILTON

Hammo is endearing and intelligent, but his rapidfire style doesn’t give you a chance to laugh and process his amusing anecdotes. I’d love to see him play with tension a little more. You’ll smile throughout his nostalgia, but I’m not sure it’s heavy on belly laughs. One year, Hammo will take the gloves off and swing away at bolder topics, and he’ll fucking kill it.

If you liked this, check out: Claire HooperCal Wilson.

SHOW 1: LAWRENCE MOONEY

Gloriously filthy, and it takes you by surprise. He just looks so much like a typical dad. Mooney’s acting background gifts him with an amazing ability to make you laugh with his facial expressions alone. Spending much of the show joking about his uncle’s funeral, I love that he places no filter on his thoughts. Honest, twisted comedy.

If you liked this, check out: Mike Wilmot, Greg Fleet.

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