Canberran natives James Lieutenant and Tom Gibson have joined forces to present the show Going Halves. This was a meat and potatoes stand up show with each taking the stage for a twenty minute solo set.
James was up first with his very laid back and low key style of delivery. His fidgeting about and constant microphone stand adjusting may have had you expecting a hyperactive performance but it was anything but. A number of gentle self deprecating quips brought forth the chuckles but he seemed to have difficultly getting out of second gear. The majority of his set was spent rambling about a number of topics that never approached any kind of hilarity. He attempted to do some improvising through some audience banter yet comedy gold alluded him. A helpful question from a punter asking about his hometown produced some interesting facts about the current legality of fireworks in the ACT, but nothing really amusing emerged. I assume James was having an off night as I have heard that he can be quite a good performer.
In a stark contrast to James, Tom was on fire that night. His well crafted set and enthusiastic delivery style brought forth a constant stream of laughs. His material regularly veered into Wrongtown but the structure he employed had the dark conclusions to his bits creeping up on you rather than belting you over the head. You would be laughing heartily one moment then recoiling in disgust at yourself the next. We got material such as Jesus inventing Velcro, comparing marriage to chess and what suicide bombers are really fighting against.
The guys boast about having a very different styles but on that particular night, it was an unbalanced show. Perhaps on another night James would bring something special to the show. Regardless of this, attending Going Halves is worthwhile to see Tom in action.
‘Going Halves’ is on Tues to Sun until April 29. See the “Festival Website”:http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/season/2007/show/233/ for further information.