Reviews

MICF: Jake Johannsen, Talking Show

At a very-well-aged 50-something and from the USA (he was a favourite on Letterman), I don’t think there’s anyone more middle class, middle aged, white, blue-eyed and heteronormative in the festival. With a mix of observational and anecdotal stand-up, his act is also as empty stage and microphone stand-up as it gets.

Jake Johannsen

And he gets that. He knows the only thing he has to complain about is that he’s getting older without too many complications – we may as well drink as we get older because we wake up feeling hungover anyway; best advice I’ve had all festival –  and that his best stories are about being happy with his wife and daughter.

None of which make him any less funny. His stand-up is some of the best around as he knows that comedy comes from telling the truth about everyday life; it’s not all misery, repression and misrepresentation. Happy people can be funny, too!

And I dare anyone not to like him.

Anne-Marie Peard

Anne-Marie spent many years working with amazing artists at arts festivals all over Australia. She's been a freelance arts writer for the last 10 years and teaches journalism at Monash University.

Share
Published by
Anne-Marie Peard

Recent Posts

Opera Australia’s Sydney Winter season to feature five show-stopping premieres

Neil Armfield’s critically acclaimed opera Watershed to premiere at the Sydney Opera House Date: 14…

4 hours ago

Josh Piterman withdraws from AUSTRALIAN MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL Des Flanagan steps in

It was announced today by Australian Musical Theatre Festival artistic director, Tyran Parke that Australian…

8 hours ago

Joanna Lumley Set To Tour Australia For The Very First Time

The legendary Joanna Lumley will embark on her first ever live tour of Australia, Me…

9 hours ago

In conversation with Audra McDonald: a journey through music, theatre, and advocacy

Audra McDonald, revered for her transcendent performances on Broadway and beyond, is set to enchant…

10 hours ago

Writing Monologues: Crafting Powerful Solo Performances for Theatre

Monologue writing is an integral part of solo performances for theatre. The reason is that…

1 day ago

PARADE – Sydney

Aussie Theatre has 2 x double passes to giveaway to PARADE - Sydney on Friday…

1 day ago