San Francisco Bathhouse
May 18, 25 & June 1 | Reviewed by Kate Chapman

Best of the Fest is great for anyone who can’t decide which of the comedy festival shows to see. It features a number of short acts from the festival, including local comedians James Nokise, Mrs Peacock, Dai Henwood and Rhys Darby, and international comedians Janey Godley and Charlie Pickering. This is to the comedy festival what previews are to movies.

Dai Henwood was hilarious; taking the mickey out of everything, nothing was sacred. He ridiculed McDonalds, the mentally challenged, Arabs, Sarah Ulmer, Rowers and more. Although only a short man he controlled the stage, commanding attention with his timing and energy.

Janey Godley gave the other stand-out performance of the night. Funny from the moment she walked on stage, she may not look like the majority of comedians, but is probably funnier than most of them. She hails from Glasgow which goes someway to explaining her abrupt, honest and extremely funny stand up repertoire.

Mrs. Peacock was the worst act. They were the winner of last year's “most offensive gag” award and are also vying for the award this year. Their songs overused toilet humour. It went past the point of comic effect. Their musical talents seem enact, but their lyrics were not particularly amusing.

The host for the evening, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer, told some very funny stories, and some not so funny ones. He did well introducing each comedian and in hosting the “dance off”, between two middle-aged women, at half time. He is a good comedian, but it seemed at times that he lacked the confidence to carry through his jokes.

There was a variety of comedy throughout the evening. There were a few times when silence, instead of laughter, followed a punch line, but generally the acts were well received by the audience. A surprising number of guitars were played by performers throughout the evening, opening up a whole new aspect of stand up comedy.

The major problem with the evening was the lack of chairs; it was obvious that the San Francisco Bathhouse is not used to seating that number of people. There were twice as many people standing as there were sitting.

Near the end of the last act an audience member got up on stage – the drink had gone to his head and he seemed surprised to find himself there. The rest of us were also baffled as to what on earth he was doing.

Overall, a good evening. A great chance to see a variety of comedians in action and helpful in deciding which acts to see in full.

For full programme, venue and show details on this and other Comedy Festival events, visit comedyfestival.co.nz.