Levin for Beginners – 5 May, Katipo Cafe

Three comedians, one MC and a very loose thread tying the group together: small town New Zealand. It was a rocky road to Levin.

Admittedly, this show had to work had to win me over. MC Brad Zimmerman’s style is much more suited to a large audience, not the small audiences in Katipo. His slightly underplayed energy and mostly common-denominator humour is doted with some really great lines. Unfortunately there weren’t enough of them to keep me hooked.

Gareth Bradley had some really great lines too. His A material from the night could’ve been delivered in a tight, roaring three minute set. Problem was, he was on stage for much longer. His repeated affirmation that he has disposal income to travel Europe with and a tendency toward the negative, Gareth needed more on stage charisma to take the audience with him. Too bad on the opening night it just wasn’t there.

Jez Brown had fantastic energy. His crowd interaction was good and though the audience was slow to warm up to him, his self-deprecating humour and small town anecdotes were a much needed step in the right direction from the previous two acts. As this week goes on, I get the feeling Jez will pick his game up.

Saving the best till last, Nathan Winter will make you glad you came. It’s obvious that not only has he put a lot of work into his material, he’s also a smart cookie. Don’t let the blonde mohawk and beard fool you, his flashes of brilliance reveal a humble, thoughtful and much needed source of humour in the show.

 Overall, if you’re curious, check it out. If not, there are plenty of other ways to spend $15 during the Fest.

On now until Saturday 8 May.

- Tim