Apparently Hannah Gadsby has always had the same haircut, even though she’s never asked for it. You know the one – it matches the second act Monica Dullard, as well as a lot of audience members. And it’s this close fit that makes the night such a success, as shrieks of laughter make it clear that the punters really do get where the acts are coming from.
Hannah introduces herself as “a little bit lesbian” and apologises for shattering the dreams of any blokes in the audience. Monica explains that even though she’s not really from Northcote, she says that she is, so that her people will know her. Because their material touches on similar themes but covers very different topics, the show works well with a different comic for each half.
Hannah has a theory that you can tell a lot about a person from the type of biscuits they like. If this is true, her favourite biscuit would make you laugh a lot and leave you wanting more. Even though it was only three years ago that she won the prestigious Raw Comedy title, her act is up there with the best of them.
She opens with tales of speed dating gone wrong. She wonders why she tried it when she doesn’t even talk fast. But it’s exactly this well-timed, dead-pan delivery that makes her next routine work so well. She reaches into her pocket and digs out a story she wrote when she was seven, then reads it aloud, adding witty commentary as she goes. The story gives her the chance to share insights into her childhood, and she notes continuing themes, like the central place that food occupies then and now. Her bemused facial expressions, expressive eyes and well-placed emphasis turn a quaint child’s story into a real treat.
The second act, Monica, mines her personal life and popular culture for material, covering topics from her childhood on a farm to Ellen de Generes to a very awkward netball experience, then back to the farm. She impersonates Olympic divers, her uncle and a sheepdog with an attention to detail that sets them apart from too many impersonations in other stand-up routines. Even her lack of segues proves funny as she races from one topic to another with all the breeziness of a casual chat with a friend.
The audience loved Monica, but a clearer and better-paced delivery would have improved her act – some jokes were garbled and hard to catch. Her enthusiasm and frenzied pace gave her act warmth but became hard to follow later.
If your haircut doesn’t match Hannah’s, you might be confused in some places. But if it does, you’ll most likely enjoy this show.
For more info and booking details go to Lickety Split