This is an ensemble show featuring five performers who are all connected by their aboriginal heritage. It takes place in the Cloakroom at the town hall (finally someone made a cloakroom joke!) at the early time of 6 pm.
The show started with all five performers on stage singing an introduction song (almost together and in tune). We then had the first act, Dennis Fisher. Dennis was an older gent who talked about his travels and attempted to show how we are all the same. I personally didn’t find very much that was humourous about his shtick as he seemed to be channeling a music hall act from the 20’s. He would suddenly stop during his narrative and expect the audience to guess the places he was talking about, but all it did was make his chat seem very disjointed.
The second act was Coen Brown, who was a very entertaining gay person. He talked about being young, sexy and gay in the modern world, and told a story about a dance-off at a gay nightclub. Funny, and probably even more so if you understand the references.
Act number three was Lou Bennett, who gave us the story behind the story of Burke and Wills. This was told in the style of diary entries, and was hilarious. I won’t give away any surprises, but they were apparently a lot closer than is generally known (I had heard about their ‘interesting’ baggage choices before, though).
The fourth person was Max McGuire, who was amusing but, as he talked mostly about footy, not really in my field of interest. Still, he talked well and the audience enjoyed his set.
The last comedian was John Harding, who helped out at the commonwealth games (with his wife, Doris). We hear stories behind the stories and how John was called upon to help resolve feuds between some famous athletes (in a rather raunchy way). Probably would have got more of the jokes if I’d been in the country during the games and interested in sport. I did enjoy his characterization and thought he and Lou were the best segments of the show.
The finale was all five comedians returning to the stage for a farewell song which was as rehearsed as the intro. This may not be the best show of the fest, but you get some very good bits for your money and, if you wish to see something different, then give this a try.
For booking details go to Natives Strikin’ Blak