Review – DeAnne Smith: LET’S DO THIS!

DeAnne Smith is down in Australia, she’s full of energy, and she’s going to do this! She’s going to nail it! And then she’s going to entertain all her self-doubts. The chipper comedian is a fiercely fun presence on stage, engaging the audience with her positivity and wit.

DeAnne starts the show by offering shots to the audience (it turns out to be apple juice, hope no one has a citrus allergy) and conducting them to recreate “Eye of the Tiger”. It handily sets the vibe for the show — she’s here to do this, and you’re damn well here to do it too. But like all good hosts, and Canadians, she makes sure her guests are in their comfort zones first: she’ll out herself as a feminist, but she’ll slip in a poo joke to keep the non-feminists on side. She’ll make you slow dance with strangers, but not before she’s shared all her personal insecurities (it gets intense, she starts stammering: it’s also hilarious).

This is stand-up in smart casuals: sharp, but not ostentatious or fake. DeAnne is devilishly funny, she conducts herself like a pro, and her comedy is well worth the live experience.