Steve Bennett

1 week ago | chortle.co.uk | Steve Bennett

With his reserved, kindly delivery, Guy Montgomery exudes an air of quiet authority, the tone of a man who knows what he’s talking about and is patiently sharing his expertise with the audience. But the ideas the New Zealander conveys so patiently are absurd. That a bloke called Luke gave his name to ‘lukewarm’, to use an example that’s apt, given that just happens to be the temperature he likes his comedy. Nothing scorching, just enjoyably soothing.

1 week ago | chortle.co.uk | Steve Bennett

Last year, Noah Szto won Melbourne’s best newcomer title with a modest but charming storytelling show performed in a tiny karaoke room away from the main festival venues. What a difference a year makes. Now he’s selling out every night and adding extra gigs in a prestigious 250-seater in the town hall. Meanwhile, his energy has transformed from friendly boy-next-door to charismatic TV-ready star, offering the full all-singing, all-dancing entertainment package.

1 week ago | chortle.co.uk | Steve Bennett

Before New Zealand’s potent musical comedy powerhouses take to the stage we have a support act: Larry and Joseph, a couple of good ole boys performing a country track. Their song is catchy, and the lyrics are both funny and pointed, parodying the trendiness of men’s Mental health as a cause and its knee-jerk use as a defence mechanism to swerve responsibility for toxic behaviour.

1 week ago | chortle.co.uk | Steve Bennett

We are gathered here today to join Dave and Tony in holy matrimony, with Andy Balloch acting as the MC for the reception that follows. With sackloads of unassuming charm, you’d definitely want him compering your big day, as he’s a generous host, calm yet confidently in control. Even when talking about what makes him ‘so angry’, it comes in the most chilled tone imaginable.

1 week ago | chortle.co.uk | Steve Bennett

An excursion into Laura Davis’s uniquely fertile brain is a highlight of any comedy festival, and this year is no exception. The comedian’s sweeping state-of-the-world, state-of-themselves monologues  are always ambitious in scope and fizzing with intelligence and humanity. Usually the only criticism is that they try to pack too much into an hour – though that’s a welcome change from all those comedians who spread scant material thin.