David Quirk is a strange comedian. On face value, this is just another stand-up show – a collection of jokes and observations with no real binding story or theme – but there’s something much more compelling about Dave’s approach that sets him well apart from the pack.
Dave has an extremely laid back and quiet approach, lending a seriousness to his words that draws you in until he’ll explode in a bout of passionate ranting as he reveals the absurdity and hypocrisy of his subjects. Whether talking about langauge or love or delving into suicide, necrophilia or the death of his mother, every word carries with it both gravity and humour.
This is certainly not a show for everybody, it’s just as likely that a given audience member will be uncomfortable rather than laughing. It may seem like David Quirk is trying to be an anti-comedian, reveling in audience discomfort, he’s really just pushing regular comedy stylings into material and lines of thought that he believes should be discussed and laughed about. There’s nothing so-bad-its-good here – the jokes are genuinely clever and funny, but they explore areas where audiences are normally only taken for shock value. There’s no intent to shock here – Dave genuinely wants to explore the darker side, and if you’re willing to join him, there’s a great deal of really interesting and funny material here.
I think that Dave is one of the most interesting stand-up comedians in Melbourne – his blunt approach to topics and the intellegence of his comedy make his material a constant source of both comedy and discussion. You’re not going to get any cheap laughs here, but you’re going to get some damn fine comedy.
For full details and bookings, visit the Comedy Festival website