Justine Smith’s Festival show is a little bit of everything. Just as the pamphlet promises, The Return Of the Jussi involves action, multi media and music.  Thankfully the core of the hour is still good ole Jussi doing gritty stand up – what she does best.

On saying that, I doubled over with laughter during many of her short ‘film-ettes’, each one depicting imagined significant moments from her life. Not only are they well shot, they boast an impressive cast, with cameo performances from well know faces. But of course Smith is the star.

Stand out moments include her botched attempt to end in all by throwing herself over a cliff; her own medical drama; her soft focus soap opera blond wig moment alongside little Dai Henwood and Kermit’s cameo.

Smith’s childhood friend from Christchurch, Chris (Bray? Gray? Grey? Sorry, missed it in the voice over…) opens the night as the surprise warm up act. A friendly man, his short routine is cheerful, though at times borderes on bad taste, judging from the reaction of the older, suited crowd. However, he hits his stride with some discerning political commentary on recent developments across the ‘dutch’, followed by good interaction with members of the audience.

A further unannounced bonus comes in the form of sassy Amanda Billings, of Shortland Street fame, who shows she is not only in very fine voice, but is a dab hand on the ukulele. While it is lovely to hear her and Smith sing Haere Mai at the top of the night, and 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton at the end, both songs are an odd addition to Smith’s night of comedy, essentially because they are delivered straight, with not a smidgeon of humour in the mix. Gets the toes a-tappin’ I suppose …

Smith has an early time slot and her opening night audience is very polite, sober and appreciative (she mocked us for our excellent ‘golf clap’). Despite this, Smith rocks on, unaffected, and delivers a highly entertaining, slick night of comedy.

Smith’s trademark crazy eyes are still in the mix, but this show contains a lot of new material and a more seasoned view on life – in particular, her life. Melbourne men and Greek women both get a lashing, as does her ex boyfriend. Members of her family, getting older, growing a beard, one night stands, and er… trying to get back to being wholesome, are also in her entertaining combo.

If you’re heading out for one more festival show this week, head to The Return of the Jussi for a bloody good night out. 
  

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