Stephen K Amos is no stranger to Australian audiences, having been a regular performer at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for the last few years. Amos is a talented and likeable performer, switching easily between his characteristic suave and sophisticated persona, and his cocky evil twin. As he rightly points out, in comedy, as in life, first impressions matter, and there's no doubt he has the ability to instantly connect with his audience – even if he is taking the piss out of them. He's quick too – leaping on the comedy potential in any situation. An innocent response from an audience member is rapidly distorted into something much funnier than it rightly should have been.
While his new show, Laughter is My Agenda, alleges some sort of apparent theme (ummm... everyone has an agenda... or something), in truth, the 'theme' is really just a loose structure for his chats with the audience. And indeed, this is where he truly shines – in his interaction with the crowd.
While latecomers are fair game for most comedians, blokes called 'Alan' would seem an unlikely target, and yet, on the night I attended, it became an effective running gag. Possibly helped by the fact, that one particular 'Alan' in the second row made a virtually show-stopping admission, which had Amos in tears – providing instant material for the rest of the night. (In fact, if you read his tweets, I'm sure you'll be hearing references to 'Alan' for the rest of the season).
The show covers some familiar territory, like growing up in a large family, the global financial crisis, politics and the differences between the UK and Australia – and a lot more besides. But as all good comedians somehow manage to do, he brings a unique approach to the material, as well as a perceptive perspective on Australia – indeed his stories of performing in Darwin are as likely to make you cringe as laugh.
One of the more polished and engaging performers you are likely to see at the festival, its no surprise his show last year Best Medicine was sold out – his new show, Laughter is My Agenda, is bound to be one of this year's hot tickets.
Mary Tobin Presents
Laughter is My Agenda
Stephen K Amos
Venue: Melbourne Town Hall
Dates: 29 March - 22 April, 2012
Duration: 60 minutes
Tickets: $42.50 – $35
Bookings: Ticketmaster 1300 660 013 | FAC 9784 1060 | thefac.com.au | at the door
Part of the 2012 Melbourne International Comedy Festival