The showcase format is good for finding someone you’d like to see a full show of, and possibly identifying someone who is not your flavour. The pool of acts drawn from for the showcase is not populated by strugglers, so you’re likely to find yourself off to buy some more tickets. The menu of the day consisted of Miles Jupp, Daniel Townes, Maeve Higgins and Jackie Loeb. Neil Delamere’s filthy minded compeering was a highlight, and he pulled out some clever devices to work up the audience for the other comedians. Given that it is a showcase, however, the audience would likely appreciate either the host or the performing comedian announcing their name vigorously, at a time when it’s not drowned out by introductory applause, so they could remember who they’re enjoying.
Miles’ rich boy caricature was droll and an uncommonly interesting comic persona, and offered a fresh angle of perspective that drew a lot of hearty laughs. Daniel Townes had good stage presence and cracked some great jokes, but his pace and consistency was grappling with the “early” time slot. Maeve Higgins’ quiet cheerfulness felt like it needed the context of an hour’s show for the audience to access her character. A ten minute slot didn’t really do her justice. Jackie Loeb was perhaps the most effective performer in the showcase’s format, having the audience in hysterics with her variation of The Pussycat Doll’s ‘Don’t Cha’, and excellent impromptu musical impersonations.
The set starts at 1:10pm, which is unlikely to conflict with anything for you, though possibly the breakfast of some of the comedians. It’s a great way to start your festival day on the right foot. Be sure you don’t arrive late, or you will have to pick your way gingerly around in the gloom under the malevolent gaze of a hungry comedian!
4/5
Luke Wilkie
