The Comedy Zone is produced by The Melbourne International Comedy Festival, every year. They take four of the most promising up-and-coming comedians from around the country and produce them, provide them with an experienced mentor (this year these guys were lucky enough to have Justin Hamilton fill this role) and they help promote them. This year the Zoners are Mat Kenneally from Melbourne, Josh Thomas from Brisbane, Nellie Wight from Melbourne and Andrea Gibbs from Perth.
Mat Kenneally performed the duties of MC for this evening with accomplishment. Mat has a strong stage presence and is a genuinely funny, entertaining comedian. His material has a political edge, without straying into diatribe. Rather Mat takes this theme and puts his own unexpected spin on it.
Josh Thomas has a real sense of play about him when he steps on stage. His material touches on his youth and slightly effeminate appearance as well as touching on topics involving his family. He underpins this with an intelligent charm that belies his youth and inserts glorious surprises into his routine.
Nellie Wight has a surrealist and sometimes caustic edge to her work. Her low key delivery contrasts against and heightens the ludicrous moments in her routine, which often ambush the audience in a slow welling realisation of the implicit humour.
Andrea Gibb rounded out the show with her strong stage presence. The highlights of Andrea’s performance included moments which showcased her excellent characterisation skills and she closed of the set with a fabulous Yamaha rendition of “Last Christmas”.
It’s been a delight for me to see all four of last year’s Comedy Zoners come back this year and present full length shows. Judging by this show’s performance I am sincerely looking forward to seeing what these young comedians have to offer in the future. Comedy Zone takes four very different comedians and brings them together in a tight production. This is a really funny, enjoyable show which gives punters a glimpse into the future of comedy.
For booking details go to Comedy Zone