Hannah Gadsby is that girl you want to be your best friend. She’s funny, but not at other people’s expense. She’s interesting, but not in the “I go to bondage nights for kicks” kinda way. She’s vulnerable, but in a manner that has the audience rooting for her. When she tells a story it’s not hyperbolic and not overly embellished. Happiness Is A Bedside Table is enthralling, witty and dare I say it – inspirational.
Self-deprecating humour is a tricky one, and if done wrong, can flop easily. While Hannah started the show on shaky legs, it fast grew into a hilarious hour detailing bad hard-to-leave relationships, shit jobs and low confidence. Her strength was focusing on a narrative of her life, so we got a sense of the beginning, middle and end. That also meant the whole show had a natural progression and wasn’t convoluted by disjointed jokes awkwardly weaved together.
I like Hannah. Because, unlike other comedians she makes next to no jokes at the expense of others. And even though she jokes about herself, there is a sense of triumph which was further solidified by her grand exit. Well-constructed, and well delivered – a show not to be missed.
BY TAMARA VOGL
