Fat Shans Comedy

To stand up and do stand-up in front of a room of strangers with the singular aim of making them laugh can be a tough nut to crack.

Success in comedy can grant a room full of enjoyment. The alternative – silence, awkward sniggers – can destroy a comedian’s set and be terribly uncomfortable for all involved.

Thankfully, the debut of Fat Shans Comedy Night at Rosemount Hotel last Thursday delivered a slew of comedians with killer material. The lead-up to fantastic headliner Greg Fleet was an event in itself.

Sam Cribb opened proceedings with his retellings of bathroom protocol and roommate run-ins. The refinement of some material could see Cribb really go places – he has the off-kilter, social outsider persona down pat. Next up was RAW Comedy National Finalist Colin Worth. He relished every moment of his set with unsurpassed energy. His views on the common Australian male and inexplicable popularity of the ‘rat’s tail’ had the room in stitches. The debut of newer material received a quieter reception but it is encouraging to see comics happy to spitball ideas.

Former Steve-O opener and WA local Sean Conway was up next. Conway certainly brought a darker edge to the evening. Some of the material was questionable but delivered in a way where Conway came out on top. These proceeding comics were admirable in their quest for laughs and on the whole delivered.

They were the ideal lead-up to the evening’s main event – Greg Fleet. And Fleet certainly showed why he is admired throughout the national comedy scene. The set was one of pure professionalism and wit. Bouncing from one topic to the next with ease, Fleet entered from the top of the stairs (in true sit-com style) and delivered an onslaught of giggles. Material on Cannington (his “killer Canno gear”) led to stories of interviewing the prime minister, run-ins with sex workers and overhearing obscure conversations. The former Spicks And Specks panellist committed entirely to his performance with spirited delivery and physical comedy.

Fleet was the ideal end to the night and cemented the evening as a solid one for live comedy. Keep your eyes peeled for the next Fat Shans Comedy evening as this is one not to miss for the fan of local live comedy.