Jordan Shanks (better known online as Friendlyjordies) is a tough comedian and journalist to beat when criticising the media and the LNP coalition. He's found himself in numerous legal battles and been lambasted by media publications left and right. Yet he and his work still hold strong. His effectiveness in engaging young Australians with political issues of the day is unquestionable. A Game As Old As Rome is clear-cut proof of Shanks’ hard-work ethic and sharp wit as both a comedian and a journalist.

The show delivered fresh insights on the death of Julius Caesar, the economic changes between ancient Rome and dark ages Europe, and also gave plenty of accusations to Roman politicians, namely Cicero. It was similar to Horrible Histories if it were loaded with Australian slang, references to Von Dutch hats, and a heart-warming tribute to perhaps the most misunderstood man in Roman history. I expected a few of Shanks’ usual tropes, memes, and characters to appear, and they did. For example, the video material that revived Aaron Thumblewhistle, a shifty and materialistic character satirising real estate agents, was a welcome component.

The historical and political material was well-researched and well-written. That said, this was when the show reached its weak state as a comedy routine and its strong state as a work of investigative journalism. The more serious material was given space to breathe at some points. As a result there are sections of the show that were similar to a history or political science lecture rather than a comedy routine. They were short, but I can understand how this may turn some people away. If he lectured for too long, nobody would care. Fortunately, he avoids over preaching about his ideas. Shanks understands that when he makes people laugh about serious things, he gets his point across. His character acting served him well in this regard.

But was the show any good? Well, if you're a fan of Shanks from his YouTube material or his other live shows, then yes, it was. But the show was also, in its own way, an enjoyable experience without needing any knowledge of Friendlyjordies lore. There was seldom a point where I was bored, and that wasn’t because I knew of Shanks coming into the theatre. The show captured the audiences’ attention with every joke and every detail, irrespective of Shanks’ past work.

4/5 stars.