Melbourne International Comedy Festival
The Victoria Hotel Ballroom
Reviewed on April 21, 2013
Award – winning Dave Thornton is an expert in the school of set ’em up, knock ’em down, rapid – fire joke – telling. Sit back and be amazed by his ability to gauge the audience, ride the wave, and think squarely on his feet for 60 jam – packed minutes non – stop.
Equal parts edgy, gentle, silly and manic, this is a personality completely at ease both with the medium and his locally – focussed source material. It was almost as fascinating to study some punters nod with a knowing appreciation, as watching the man himself.
Apart from frequent appearances on radio and television to his credit including The Matt and Jo Show, Good News Week, Bed of Roses, and Talkin’ Bout Your Generation, Thornton is also a veteran of the Australian and international comedy circuits.
As a stand ñ up comic, he has a knack for drawing in spectators, meanwhile keeping his eyes directly on the prize. Hang in there and one will be rewarded with many a hysterical punch line, delivered with physical, self – deprecating aplomb.
It is not surprising that various critics have described Thornton as ‘quintessentially Australian’ and a ‘loveable rogue’. Another review likened Thornton to meeting a funny new friend; it is easy to see why.
This is a fearless artist unafraid of throwing himself full force into topics such as feminism, the differences between ladiesí and menís strip clubs, potential prison survival techniques, and metro-sexual quirks.
Further, Thornton’s stories range far and wide from share house disasters, buying a first home, struggling to be a twenty first century bloke in a woman’s world, and keeping his cool in a fight.
Thornton also briefly slips into darker territory. However, the pay – off not only reinforces his voice as a seasoned performer, but will undoubtedly win him new followers as well.
The Victoria Hotel’s raked basement ballroom space is the perfect venue for his show.
Thornton often breaks the fourth wall and frequently interacts with his audience. Even though his fans are allowed in on the jokes, no one is safe from his gold ñ seeking radar.
On the night I attended, soon to be married Ryan, was a more than willing victim. He even played ‘Compliments at Three Paces’ with Thornton, a hilarious game that has to be seen in person to be believed.
With a plethora of local and overseas shows to choose from at this yearís Melbourne International Comedy Festival, look no further than Tall and Pointy for a hilarious evening out.
Image Source: Brisbane Powerhouse