Okay so we’re nearing the end of the 2018 Perth Comedy Festival. Hopefully you’ve managed to get out to at least a couple of shows. If not here’s a recap of what I’ve seen so far and a couple of ideas for the last week.
©The Ponder Room
First up was Jason Byrne. I’ve wanted to see, or should that be experience, his show live for some time now. Safe to say I was not disappointed.
Byrne’s show relies on audience interaction and we didn’t let him down, with audience members quick to bounce around ideas and heckle each other. Byrne was clearly enjoying himself. References to Bunnings, sausage sizzles, local suburbs and people arriving at ‘the wrong time’, made for a brilliant show. The inclusion of an Apple Genius was an added treat, even if his t-shirt was indeed ‘an inch too long’. The surprise poignant ending showed another side to Byrne, the deeper side of the clown. Can’t wait to see him in Perth again.
Jason Byrne ©The Ponder Room
Next up Craig Hill who was at the new Festival venue, the Hellenic Club in East Perth. Aside from the performance space there is also a small bar and a restaurant area. The meals are pub fare, think kebabs or fish served with salad and chips, large and cheap. A fisherman’s basket was around $12.
©The Ponder Room
Unlike the large crowds at the Regal or Astor Theatres’ the Hellenic Club provides an intimate club atmosphere.
Hill also relies on audience interaction, and with a smaller crowd there was nowhere to hide, although we did try. Resistance proved useless as he zeroed in. Hill provided a Masterclass on how to extract every laugh he could possibly muster out of a smaller Thursday night crowd. I did feel for him as the bar staff hovered around trying to find patrons who’d ordered food. While Hill cleverly used this to his advantage it was no doubt a distraction he could have done without. So too the small stage set up which greatly hampered his well known and much loved dancing skills. Beyond these venue issues it was a great show, particularly for the low price. I’m always amazed at how Hill waits around after his shows to bid farewell to every single audience member.
©The Ponder Room
©The Ponder Room
Next week I have Fiona O’Laughlan, Lano and Woodley.
If you get to nothing else make sure you dip into one of the Biggest Comedy Show on Earth nights at the Hellenic Club. For just $20 – $30, you’ll get to see a range of comedians jump on stage for 5 minute sessions.
Try the fish.
For more information go to Perth Comedy Festival 2018
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