As a professional comic, Charlie Pickering is a bit of a joker. But the curly-haired Australian’s got nothing on his dad, Ron, or his dad’s best mate, Richard.

They are jokers extraordinaire, as you will discover in Pickering’s hour-long show Impractical Jokes. [More]
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First I just have to say WOW. Charlie Pickering delivers a show which packs the elusive factor; the glow-on. The glow-on is the pleasurable state in which I am laughing, smiling or simply listening in rapt attention for the entire hour.

When my friend and I sit down, it feels almost too intimate in the Herald Theatre; the knees of the girls behind us are almost touching my head. We worry that he will pick on us because we are quite close to the front.

Fortunately, Pickering only picks on those in the very front seats. Fortuitously, they are good subject material, and the woman comes back with a few good quips of her own. She’s a writer, so she uses the opportunity to promote her book. A less secure or more predictable comedian may have made mincemeat out of this woman, but he doesn’t stoop to cruelty to make us smile.

Before launching into the story which comprises most of the show, he sets the tone with a list of his top ten wars. This leads into a tribute to his (still living) father, and what a father he has!

Pickering is a master story teller, and if the stories are tall then hand me a ladder. I believe every word. I am enthralled and a little bit envious that someone has a father who will do anything for the ultimate practical joke.

The story centres on a war of comedic proportions between Pickering’s father Ron, and his best friend Richard. I feel like I’m watching a really good movie; I can see all the events unfolding, even down to the attire. I imagine Ron Pickering wearing one of those Andy Capp style hats now favoured by Brad Pitt. I feel that Richard is very tall, wears tweed jackets, and doesn’t mind a cigar now and then (must be the English accent that does it).

Never mind the fact that Pickering has not described what they look like, he doesn’t need to.

When I’m not laughing I’m smiling. If I’m not laughing or smiling, my mouth is gaping open. It’s charming and different from the usual stand up comedy routine because it is such a heart-warming story, and all without being sentimental.

I’m sorry to say I can’t tell you any more about it. It would be like telling someone the plot of a movie in great detail when they should really just go and see it.

Like any good movie or satisfying meal, Charlie Pickering’s show has us walk away with a satiated smile and a very nice glow-on. I will never look at a parking meter again without smiling …

Tickets are only $25 and well worth it, so book before he’s all sold out.
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