Carl Donnelly Review

Carl Donnelly opened his 2015 stint at this years NZ International Comedy Festival with understated aplomb.

He stormed the Gala on Friday night with a high energy performance, a contrast to what we see in the smaller, more intimate venue of the Classic.

In a show that seemed very much a work in progress, Donnelly maneuvered us around laser eye surgery, depression, divorce and Zoo encounters; with a few pubes and nipples mentioned along the way.

His relatable material is performed with effortless friendliness, and you can’t help but like the guy. Personal stories and mishaps, surrounded by distracting thoughts that fly off to form another comedic anecdote, kept us entertained.

The problem with seeing this show opening night was that although I liked most of the material, it wasn’t yet all stitched together in to a neat one hour show. That said he had no trouble casually interacting with the audience and letting them know that he was still putting the pieces of this show together. I expect this show will be fully warmed up within a few more nights.

Carl Donnelly provides an hour of relaxed raconteuring with no holds barred on opening up on his personal life.

Check him out in Auckland at The Classic 28 April – 2 May and 5 – 9 May and at San Fran from 12 – 16 May.

Reviewed by Ingrid Grenar

3 stars3.5 stars small

 

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