Review By Kipp Lee
The Koori Comedy Showcase features four Indigenous, Canberra-based comedians who have come to Sydney to show us what they've got. Getting about 15 minutes each, the show ran for about an hour in the coveted Factory Floor space. The audience was a good mix of ages and backgrounds, which speaks to the broad appeal of these comedians and the much needed space for Indigenous performers in the Sydney comedy scene.
Opening the show was Cy Fahey, a charming and high energy comic. His comedy covers his mish-mash identity, his apparent bogan-ism, his dating life and his status as a "cool dad." Fahey was a strong opener, with the crowd instantly responding to his relaxed attitude and good natured material. He clearly knows his stuff and definitely one to watch out for.
Jacob Keed is the next on. The youngest of the line up, Keed is a bright and bubbly presence on stage. He is clearly enjoying himself and giggling continuously endearing himself to the crowd. Most of his material is very tongue-in-cheek and cerebral. He is passionate and smart and a joy to watch perform.
Benny Eggmolesse is funny before he even begins, forgetting his microphone and having to leave the stage to retrieve it (even covid-safe regulations can be comedy!) He has a raucous and chaotic energy, moving excitedly. Eggmolesse is an incredibly strong performer with a keen sense of identity. He constantly code-switched between a more professional" Anglicised voice and his authentic vernacular, a mix of slang and traditional language (pardon my ignorance of which one), making fun of the culture clash in his own life as well as in the broader population. He's a larrikin through and through and easily slips from planned material to improvised crowd work.
Bill Makin was an interesting choice as closer, after such a high energy act, his deadpan delivery lowers the mood dramatically. Not to say he isn't funny, because he decidedly is. He's blithe and cutting with a balanced delivery of self deprecating material and cutting observations. He is relaxed and comfortable on the stage and finishes the show on a strong, if relatively low-energy, note.
The line up is a good mix of different styles and personalities. They are a generous and boisterous bunch of talented comedians. They extend their gratitude to the sponsors who made the show possible-The Corroboree Group, Dreamtime Supply and Northern Pictures - who you should definitely check out.
If you're around Canberra or if any of them are back to Sydney, they are all worth checking out and supporting.
Image Supplied