The first rule of comedy shows is that you never want to be late to a comedy show – we all know terrible things happen when a comedian spies you shuffling in. I was terrified I was that person walking into Josie Long’s show Something Better; seeing her prancing around the stage making astute, sweary commentary on a modified version of If You Like Pina Coladas I was almost bracing myself to be dragged up onto the stage, but nope – just a bit of pre-show karaoke, which is utterly charming.
I knew Long was good – as a longtime fan of her (very serious) political activism work I was expecting whip-smart comments and a bit of angry Brexity shouting – and I got all of that, and a whole lot more. Something Better is hysterical, sweet, inspiring, tender, rousing and more than a little bit crazy all at once, and it’s one of very few comedy shows that are just a pure joy to behold, from beginning to end. It’s a story of getting older and finding yourself an unexpected fan of architecture, Adele and pinot grigio (“I’m on the griiiiiig!” becomes a catchphrase), of trying to deal with the anger and despair when the world doesn’t go your way (Long was a fierce Remain campaigner in the UK referendum) and staying positive and active despite both of these unfortunate occurrences. It’s relatable, but in a way that – with a typical Melbourne crowd – at least makes you feel as though you have a bit of a community with your newfound love of ballads, art deco and white wine – and your constant head-shaking with every move Theresa May makes.
Self-deprecating in just the right dose – happy to make fun of her misanthropic ‘lefty’ position, where she’s sure she’s in the majority but then…Brexit, it’s impossible not to use the cliché that you feel like it’s just an old friend chatting to you, one whom you know intimately. The humour is dark, quick and switches between dry, niche references and bouncing physical comedy, but the desperation to stay positive and keep believing is a genuinely lovely overarching theme – one that leaves you with the fuzzy feeling as you stroll out to some truly stunning post-show karaoke.
By Matilda Edwards
