A huge star in her native USA, Anjelah Johnson hit the big time when her YouTube sketch about a Vietnamese nail salon worker called Tammy went viral – to date it’s had over 32 million views.
Though Tammy and Johnson’s other famous character, Bon Qui Qui, a Burger King worker who has a slight issue with customer service, do make appearances during the show to much squealing and general excitement, Johnson is so much more than either of them.
Her stand-up is stellar and almost preposterously and impossibly funny for the entire hour.
In her first trip to Australia, Johnson kicks off with some local references – don’t roll your eyes, thankfully she’s really done her research because they’re completely hilarious.
She then takes a meandering stroll through topics like marriage, being Mexican, her travels overseas and her Puerto Rican husband who also happens to be in a Christian band (the comedy possibilities are endless).
When Johnson does occasionally veer off script, usually to deal with audience members, she was still sharp and funny and there’s no shortage of self-deprecation.
It’s no surprise that Johnson was moved to The Hi-Fi Bar for its larger capacity, because this show is going to have high demand for its entire short run.
Rating: 4 ½ out of 5 stars
Anjelah Johnson
The Hi-Fi Bar, Swanston St
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
www.comedyfestival.com.au
27 March – 20 April
