[Alisso]

Further reviews:

Charlie Pickering - Thirteen Ducks: Unfortunately, I was ridiculously tired when I went to see Charlie's show, so a few of the details have since escaped me, but I did enjoy it. The titular story about a shooting trip in New Zealand pops up here and there through a series of other, shorter stories of Charlie's experiences. Apparently, at one point in Adelaide, the show lost the story about the ducks, making the title a little surreal, but it has been polished and returned to the structure of the show. If you've enjoyed Charlie's stand-up style in the past, you'll enjoy this show. Definitely worth catching.

Nik Coppin - Stuff: I have to admit a little bias here, I know Nik, and he's a great guy *G* He's not terribly well known to Australian audiences, but he deserves more attention over here. He's a very confident performer, with very good material, and he knows more about AFL than I do *G* But then, I'm from NSW. Go see him, the show is fun and entertaining. Just don't get drunk and act like a dick like some of the people in the crowd of the show I was at.

Kristian Reimer - The New Normal: Another show where I must admit to bias - Kristian is also a great guy. His show discusses the way "normal" has changed in the aftermath of 9-11. A timely political topic, and some very good points. Again, worth catching.

Matt Elsbury - Matt vs Stupid: I like Matt Elsbury's rants. I particularly liked this one, because Stupidity is such a big topic to work with. George Dubya, songs vs ringtones, moments of stupidity from smart people, and the brain acting like a cabinet of ministers, and how the minister for sex drive keeps shoving the minister for common sense into the cupboard *G* Extremely funny show, with a sadly small audience. Really, really worth going to see.

Geraldine Quinn - Dumb Things: Another tiny audience for this show...it's sad, because Gerry's fantastic. I love her singing voice, and her sense of humour is terrific. Her lyrics are smart and witty, and extremely funny. And you get free badges! Go see her, she deserves good crowds, and she's a great musical comedian.

Scott Pollard - Suckerpunch: This is another one where I have to admit to bias *G* Scott's attempts to screw over mass media, and his success by strange means make for an extremely funny show. Scott's outlook on life is what you might call lateral - he sees an empty building and sees an opportunity. What he does with plastic army men and dinosaurs shares his view of the world with random other people in passing. You should go and see this show if only to check out his Birdman Rally stuff, and the Box Wars video. Brilliant and a lot of fun *G*

Scrabble Unscripted: Fun improvisational show. When I went, the Scrabble game was played by Gatesy from Tripod, and Rusty from the Scardies. Thanks to them, I learnt words like "Sunbaved" and "pufter", for a New Zealand gay man *g* Fun show if you enjoy impro.

Axed: A bitter, bitter show *G* Various comedians and performers talking about the things that never made it to tv, radio, print or film. You have to wonder how certain people get into the position to say yes or no to these things, when clearly they have no sense of humour whatsoever *G*

Sammy J - Sammy J in the Forest of Dreams: BRILLIANT show. A musical for ADULTS (this is really important), with puppets. Whatever you do, don't take kids. There is filth in this show *G* Sammy J got a Moosehead for this year's show, and he's taken the opportunity and really run with it. The songs are great, there's man on puppet and puppet on puppet action, and the story is a wonderful modern take on the fairy tale journey of discovery. And the songs are really catchy. I defy you to leave the Bosco tent not singing or humming "Fuck Disney" *G*

Glenn Wool - Promises, Promises: I can promise you this, if you don't like filth, you won't like this. I've seen a few short sets from Glenn already this festival, and I've really enjoyed his work. So I was really looking forward to seeing his show, and I wasn't disappointed at all. Extremely funny, extremely dirty, and very, very cheeky. Don't go "ooooh" at the filth or he'll bring out the real foulness *G* A whole lot of fun.


I also have a piece of advice for people visiting the comedy festival. DO NOT book shows too close together. Fifteen minutes between shows is not sufficient. Two people behind us in the queue for Glenn Wool's show got extremely angry because the show was delayed due to technical difficulties, and they had a show fifteen minutes after Glenn's. That wasn't going to work anyway, even if the show hadn't been delayed. Give yourself at LEAST half an hour, and longer if you can. I can't stress that enough. Take distance between venues into account, and remember, if you have a lot of spare time as a result, you can always hang around in the bar. And why wouldn't you want to hang around in the bar? *G*