There’s something about the Opera House that brings out the philosopher in me. It’s a big venue so I think big thoughts. Tonight as we wait for the show to open, I ponder the fickleness of humanity. Why is it that Tom Jones can still be singing Delilah 45 years later and bring down the house, yet when a comedian reuses material we’ve already heard, they’re rubbish? It’s so unfair!

I guess this musing is not entirely random. These showcase events bring several artists together and they are bound to be repeating material they’ve done on the telly, or in their solo shows. It’s a risk I’m willing to take however as the line up tonight has real pedigree.

They’re a young lot, and all from the UK, even Jarred Christmas who is from Christchurch but now lives in London. There is something unmistakeably Jack Black about Mr Christmas – he has that same dapperness of physique that adds so much cheeky comedy to his ‘sassy’ moves.

Taking full advantage of a celebrity in the front row, not to mention some entirely fictitious audience members as well as real ones, he shows a masterly command of a fairly large audience who appreciates his obvious spontaneity. We love to think the show we are seeing is unique! Great stories too.

This line up has a real raconteur feel to it. First out is Tom Wrigglesworth whose stories of his father’s inability to use his new computer have been retold all over Welly by the savvy ones who went to see his solo show. He tells them better himself, trust me!

Next up is Andrew O’Neill, (who is also Host of this week’s Late Laughs at the San Fran). His style is quite unusual – random snippets of strange ditties, fragments of poetry – it all starts off a bit surreal, but he manages to mix up these odd moments with some great story telling and he has a genuine ability to connect with an audience.

Astute observations of life from why Australia doesn’t have real goths, how to maintain one’s metalhead credibility on the beach, people who shout things at him, life with a broody girlfriend and not wanting to grow up.

Last on is the truly odd Terry Alderton. His signature trick of talking to himself à la Gollum with his back to the audience just gets funnier and funnier. He combines observations of life, regional accents and other material with truly hilarious physical comedy which brings it alive.

His miming is amazing, he doesn’t speak a word for the first five minutes of his set, yet we are all in stitches. He is another comedian who can combine connecting with an audience and being quite theatrical. I feel this is a rare gift, probably because most comedians seem to be only able to do one or the other successfully.

All in all this showcase is an entertaining balance of genuinely clever and intelligent comedy with some truly dirty laughs. This is by far the most original stand up comedy I’ve seen for a long time. Worth a visit, worth a repeat visit. Perhaps not as likely to stand the test of time as Delilah, but certainly good for a few more airings!
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