Host
Local boomer comedian and radio personality on Mix 102.3, Eddie Bannon hosts and books the talent for Adelaide International Comedy Gala. As Bannon explains, countless comedians visit our city during Fringe, but he only invites those he finds truly funny to perform at the Gala. There is an inescapable bias here, as different styles and topics of comedy appeal to different people. While the show advertising emphasised a variety of comedy, the majority on offer are cut from the same cloth.
From his introduction, Bannon is obsessed with the gender binary. The assumed genders of audience members in the front row is cannon fodder for him, even when they are underage. While Mormonism jokes and shouting “menopause club” may be the ideal ice breaker for some, it misses a healthy chunk of our audience.
However, there are also many laughs along the way.
The Comics
Laurence Mooney and Lindsay Webb approach their short set the same way, by referencing well-known South Australian history and anecdotes, from Don Bradman to Stobie poles. Generic and amusing, neither routine offers much of a glimpse into their personal comedy styles.
Andrew Hansen’s self deprecating and satirical brand of humour appeals to aging millennials, from fake Lindt sponsorships to the hilarity and exhaustion of parenthood. His animated delivery really brings home his punch lines.
Jay Michael makes jokes that are offensive to any parents, high school graduates, or chefs in the audience. Michael considers public urination the comedic ideal, and expects laughs while trivializing racism in policing. These politically and morally corrupt jokes are delivered with blind enthusiasm.
Emily Grace Bailey follows, offering snappy and insightful anecdotes about new motherhood. In her capable hands, the differences between soft dryer and scratchy towels are hilarious. Her humour is relatable and quintessentially Australian.
Gordon Southern was originally from the United Kingdom, though he became a “grateful stowaway” during Covid. He makes pinpoint references to Adelaide culture and lifestyle, and shares his father’s long con of trying to manifest an allergy to dogs.
Joshua Warrior starts with a perfectly timed callback to previous jokes – a breath of fresh air, since the rest of the performances have been very insulated. Warrior’s material deals with the brighter side of life as a blind person. He is flustered deciding which stories to share, and would likely be more relaxed during a longer show.
Nona Mona offers tongue in cheek commentary of the Australian experience. She shares stories from her childhood growing up in Adelaide without an air conditioner, and her transition from Salisbury to Frewville.
Cameron James is a musical comedian, performing songs on his guitar. One recalls an oddly specific story about two teens who lack driving licenses, and need their dad to drive them on dates. The other is a relatable anthem of an average lover. His charisma and self-effacing lyrics are winners, like an Australian Garfunkel & Oates or Flight of the Conchords.
The final comedian of the evening, Ivan Aristeguieta was originally from Venezuela, before emigrating here. He wants Australians to “stop thinking that salsa is sexy, my grandmother taught me how to salsa!” He proves it is uncomfortable when your culture becomes sexualised by performing a steamy Wiggles dance. He also pokes fun at English grammar, which is to say, he has an endless supply of material.
Final Thoughts
Hansen, Bailey, Southern, Warrior, and James offer a genuine snapshot of their onstage personalities routines, engaging their audience. While the others may have gotten laughs, they lack a unique identity or brand. The laughs begin to wash together over the course of the evening. What is advertised as ten comedians feels more like five and a half.