Rob Brown became a professional comedian in 2003 and in just six years has grown into one of Australia’s leading comedians. His charm lies in his straight talking, brutally honest approach to stand up, reeling off some interesting tales about his life and when your life involves working at a maximum security prison, being divorced with four kids and working in Afghanistan helping to train the countries new police officers, no one could accuse him of having nothing to say.
First and foremost what is apparent to the crowds is that Brown is a decent, well intentioned guy, to a point that you can almost forgive him for a lacklustre set that is big on concept if low on belly laughs. He’s not the funniest comedian at the Fringe and his comedic style isn’t quite as polished as you would expect. But despite this he gamely continues shifting from stories about his personal life into a more serious subject matter that is clear divides the audience.
Using a wall projector the final half of his show is taken up with clips from his trip into Afghanistan, specifically following him giving out leftover food to the children and the unexpected ramifications this began to have. These images are powerful, touching, kind and the hopeful look on some of these children’s faces can melt the fiercest critic’s heart. There is only one problem, it stops becoming a stand up routine, instead becoming a holiday snap show. Brown begins commenting over the footage throughout but by the finale is far too busy watching the footage with the audience to make any jokes.
A brave comedic choice, this will inspire you, if leave you walking away needing to see something funny too.
3/5 
Martin Miller
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