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Jamie Kilstein possesses a rare one two punch of razor-sharp ranting and personal honesty. From the moment he walked on stage, the New York based comedian unleashed a torrent of dangerously edgy and hilarious attacks without appearing to take a breath for minutes at a time.

Kilstein walks the same road as notable ranting comedians and social critics Bill Hicks and George Carlin by exposing hypocrisy and ridiculousness within oft-repeated topics such as fundamentalist religion and politics. Fortunately, the young comedian does a fair job of standing on the shoulders of giants by being innovative, creative and indeed sharp enough to provide fresh, frequent laughs.

The occasional misfire was usually due to his chosen target being too American-centric to be truly hilarious to an Australian audience. A gag or two about Jay Leno - hardly a household name to local audiences, springs to mind. But where Kilstein really shows natural ability is his recognition of when one thread is confusing or tiring the audience and his quick change of gears that follows.

It wasn't all outrage and acid tongue though. Kilstein slowed his feverish pace down for much of the latter half of the show and even introduced some sweetness as he detailed how his perceptions of himself and his family have changed as he's grown up and matured. After such a potent mix to begin with, what initially might have seemed like a tame chaser turned into a rather personal and yes, sidesplitting tale of one family's quirks and pure insanity.

It was at the very end of the show, in which we found ourselves peering into "Jamie's House Of Rants" again that I could understand how such a sharp-witted, open and likeable guy could exist out of such a batty past. With his natural instincts, Kilstein can only get stronger from here and as a constantly laughing audience, we're sure to be the ones to benefit.


Melbourne International Comedy Festival presents
Revenge of the Serfs
Jamie Kilstein

Venue: Victoria Hotel - Vic's Bar* | 215 Lt Collins St, Melbourne
Dates: 25 March - 18 April, 2010
Times: Tue - Sat 8.30pm, Sun 7.30pm
Duration: 60 minutes
Bookings: Ticketmaster 1300 660 013 | at the door

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