Show reviewed: 20/02/26

Show rating: A spontaneous 4.5 stars.

TOD Talks is a comedy phenomenon and has become one of the Adelaide Fringe Festival’s most beloved shows at Gluttony. The show takes its premise from the well known TED (Technology, Education, Design) Talks, a cultural movement sharing educational and inspiring ideas dubbed “Ideas Change Everything.” As an academic, I’ve seen ideas from these popular lectures come and go out of fashion over the years and TOD Talks is a satirical approach to this art of sh*t-talking (and the art of self-promotion.)

TOD Talks is hosted by the ever charming Owen Merriman and pits four comedians against each other for the ultimate glory or bragging rights. Maybe an envelope of cash. Or just knowing these are better blaggers through the ability to give a presentation they have not seen before on a TED style subject with a random object thrown in for the lols. The comedian line-up changes each night and no show is ever the same. I was in TOD Talks last year and I encourage the audience to participate because it makes it a much more fun experience for everyone!

Opening night saw BS expert (and friend of Hugh Jackman), Kate Smurthwaite pitted against the taller Burton brother (Tom), the infamous Max (Max Max) Paton and an Adelaide comedy legend in the making, Eddi Dbbr. Kate delivered her TOD Talk in a way I probably would believe anything is a good idea coming from her and at the is presenting at 2026 Adelaide Fringe, 2 shows, Evolution Revolution and Severe Lacerations To The Head.

Eddi is an emerging talent to watch in particular at other shows over this fringe season in Chaos Theory and 4KingsQueens Comedy. My personal favourite of the night was Max (Max Max) Paton who is “most likely to be cancelled for crimes committed against social media in the name of improvised comedy but recover from it to have career longevity.” He also loves Sovereign Hill in Ballarat so I may be biased.

The ultimate winner was Tom Burton, who really loves meat pies (just don’t ask what his secret ingredient is!) Tom is one half of the Burton Brothers with his brother, Tom, who are performing in The Burton Brothers – TINSELTOWN and SUPER SMASH BURTON BROTHERS this year at the Adelaide Fringe.