Arj Barker: Comedy Festival Review

Arj Barker: Comedy Festival Review

It's Go Time - according to Arj's new show.

The guy known to many as Dave from the Flight of The Conchords is back in his new show and offering up a few surprises to any of those of us who've seen him before.

Channeling Hugh Jackman at the start of the show was a masterstroke and showed a playful side to Arj that's previously been hidden in his last few outings at the festival.

Laid back and laconic are Arj's MO, with a dapper dose of self-referential and self-knowing thrown in for good measure. And added to the mix this year are some truly corny one-liners that are truly hilarious as he parades around the stage.

Arj doesn't do "punchlines" per se, but puts together a series of ideas and ideals as he extols his observational ways on life; from the philosophical punts and points about jobs, his nephews and the environment, Arj is incredibly adept at deconstructing the comedy as it goes along.

He's got a knack of engaging the audience and getting them on side with some smart asides which permeate the show in the most unexpected of places. A surreal jaunt into why you should never buy poetry on the street is a weird aside but one that leaves you in stitches. Likewise, a story about an ex girlfriend takes a turn into a discussion about medieval fairs.

The only minor disappointment in his set is a closing diatribe about diarrhoea; it's not in poor taste just a bit of a surprise from Arj who doesn't need to divert into lavatorial humour. (It's a similar complaint that I've had with other comedians this year) Thankfully though, the crowd laps up every minute so I guess it's on them.

All in all, Arj Barker is a masterful comedian; he jokes at one point about playing the crowd like puppets and to be honest, he really does. We lap up every minute as he regales us with his tales as he takes us on a journey of mirth and amusement. Exuding charisma and charm, there's no one better to spend 90 minutes with - and it's just a shame I had to rush off afterwards to another show rather than chat to Arj afterwards in the foyer, as he sold his wares. Because Arj is someone you want to spend more time with - either on or off stage - and that's a real credit to the extremely warm and affable persona he's made.

Recommended.