What’s better than funny comedians at The Fringe? Funny comedians who entertain us with music. With a headline act such as Paul McDermott, punters were right to expect an hilarious night of musical comedy. They weren’t disappointed either. Host, local comedian Jono Makai, assembled a talented line-up of musical comedy acts that kept the diverse audience in stitches for 2 and a half hours. I say diverse because the audience age range was spread across all age groups from people in their 20’s to seniors in their 90’s. McDermott often attracts the Boomer crowd (he’s now 60 himself), but the octogenarians and older in the crowd did seem a little out of place. That didn’t stop them getting into it though (well, some of them). Every one of the seven acts dropped in some heavily adult humour. “Adult humour” is probably a nice way of saying crude, which caused some of the older folk to feel a bit shocked (there was even genuine disapproving and head shaking from some, which only fired up the talent more). No topics were off limits, and many found themselves laughing at things they never thought they would. Mad Dog Malcom and Frankly were crowd favourites, even if some of their humour was too quick for some. But it was McDermott most people had come to see. Nearing the end of his Adelaide Fringe 2023 season of his own show, McDermott seemed to really enjoy the madness of the venue, the crowd, and the topics he chose to riff on so hilariously. With his witty and biting take on everything, Paul always makes every show feel like it’s a special one-off. Most of the acts still have shows running in The Fringe, and I highly recommend getting along to see Peter James, Blake Everett, Frankly, and of course Paul McDermott before their run of shows finish (each finishes up this weekend). If you’re across the border for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival this year, make sure you check out Bobbie Viney. I’d say most of these acts will be back for Adelaide Fringe in 2024, as they were all either great up-and-comers, established performers, or seasoned stars. And if Makai brings his Gala back next year, get tickets early, as the Arkaba was practically sold out.