The first time I ever met Mark Butler was some years ago (2005 I think) at a gig on the day after Grand Final Day. This was at the old Stagetime that Michael Chamberlin and Charlie Pickering used to run together. Peter Helliar was on the bill and, very obviously, the worse for wear after Grand Final celebrations. Peter was on as the headliner and his set was woeful. Meeting Mark at the end of the gig I discussed this and other things on the tram on the way home. It would seem that Mark hasn’t forgotten that gig either, now using Peter Helliar as his whipping boy. Well okay, about three jokes, but very directed ones.
Mark is slight of physique, kind of cute, facially expressive and engaging in a tousled hair, David Tennant kind of way. His clipped English accent, lovely enunciation and excellent intonation and timing make him a pleasure to listen to. Anything he says he sells. Which is probably just as well, because most of the subjects he covers are pretty run of the mill and he doesn’t really bring anything new to them.
He hangs this show on the premise that it is all about his observations of Australia and Australians, but much of his material relies on stereotypes and much travelled terrain. He talks about airports and airport food and there’s the usual schtick about Australian spiders and how big and scary they are (for some reason it always seems to be English comedians who do this bit, I’m struggling to recall ever seeing an Irish, Scottish or Welsh comedian do it; not really relevant, just curious). He’s got some unoriginal stuff on bogans and he talks a bit about swearing. There’s also a bit about English food compared to Australian food and how much he dislikes Australian cockatoos and flies. Mark Butler is such an intelligent comedian; it seems a shame that he’s taking a broader approach with his material.
There are some really bright sparks on this front however. He includes a couple of personal stories in this show, which are completely original, engrossing, occasionally appallingly dirty, memorable and funny. The device he uses to start the show is a bit good too. Also, I must admit that even his most stereotyped material is peppered with jokes which are devilishly funny. He also takes on the subject of politics. However this felt a little half hearted, like he wants to make a political point but he’s shoved it in with all these other happy go lucky subjects, and that he needs to treat it with the same non conviction. As a result it lacks the gravitas it deserves.
Mark’s likeability and his intellect, which is always threatening to surface in a major way, make this an enjoyable show. I’m left with the feeling though, that he could be so much better if he chose to be.
For full booking details go to the Melbourne Comedy Festival website