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Down through the dodgy tunnel into the surprisingly ambient Tuxedo Cat venue to see DeAnne Smith’s Ballsy – good thing there was someone standing outside to direct me into the show. As she warmed up the crowd Smith appeared neurotically charming as she addressed our expectations of her comedy show. Prefacing her act with the warning that she will eventually break up with us and we will have to move on to other comedians, this Ballsy evening is a fun rendezvous. If she doesn’t call me again at least I will have had a few laughs.

Smith regales us with stories about performing around Australia, but some of her weirder fan encounters might have hit too close to home. I wonder though if her bogan material wouldn’t play better back home in Montreal? At times she seems strangely nervous and continues to reiterate the reactions of her audience to draw out punch lines, putting us under pressure to guffaw appropriately loudly. Ballsy’s meandering format left a lot of time for heckling, of which there was little from her polite crowd. I would prefer she build in a stronger premise to keep us better focused.

Constantly adjusting her black-rimmed glasses and sweeping fringe, this petite comedienne skirts the edges of political correctness to play on her upbringing, relationships, and lesbian stereotypes in a self-referential torrent that does take – yes – balls. Pulling out her ukulele, she charms us with a few peppy numbers before ending the night by giving us chocolates and tearfully reading us the inevitable ‘dear john’ letter. As a self-deprecating and witty date, Smith is someone you should get caught up with while she’s in town.


Century Entertainment presents
Ballsy
DeAnne Smith

Venue: The Tuxedo Cat* | 335 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Dates: 29 March - 17 April, 2010
Times: Mon - Wed 7.15pm & 15 - 17 Apr 11pm (no show 30 & 31 Mar)
Duration: 60 minutes
Prices: $20
Bookings: Ticketmaster 1300 660 013 | At the door
Visit: www.deannesmith.com

* Licensed venue. Under 18s must be accompanied by a Parent or Legal Guardian.