The brand new show from Melbourne comedian Nath Valvo explores something almost everyone has experienced at least once – a failed birthday party. With lollies for his audience upon arrival and a chocolate mud cake sitting centre stage, Valvo proceeds to wind time back to the event in question: his first failed 10th birthday.
As the show opens, Valvo shares with joy that at age 29 he’s moved back home with his parents, is still using a prepaid mobile, and has just starting to grow some chest hair. Thereafter he takes the audience on a hilarious journey across childhood, adolescence and young adult birthday disasters. Think of everything that could go wrong at a party and it’s probably happened to Valvo, whose innovative, sharp and witty take on the topic ensured his audience did not stop laughing for the entire set.
Excelling in part through its simplicity, once the routine of 16th, 18th and 21st birthdays are established, the show’s simple and familiar structure works to Valvo’s advantage. He darts back and forth between topics with glee and is comfortable jumping off script to spend more time interacting with his audience; some of the best parts of this show come when Valvo invites unsuspecting audience members onto the tiny stage. An accomplished storyteller with an ability to captivate his audience, largely thanks to his no-holds-barred approach, Valvo moves confidently through a wealth of well-crafted material including pop culture references and stories about immediate family and friends.
Cheeky and energetic, his stage persona is fresh, reflective and self-deprecating, and while he can also be crude, sharp and even offensive at times, Valvo gets away with murder because his insights into universal truths are bold, brave and fearless.
Almost 30 is an edgy and entertaining ride that will not disappoint. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see one of the best local comedians at this year’s comedy festival.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Nath Valvo – Almost 30
Trades Hall, Carlton
28 March – 21 April
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
www.comedyfestival.com.au
27 March – 21 April
