Review – Adam Knox: Catclysmos

It’s tempting to only see the big ticket names during the MICF, those comedians who have spent years punching and clawing their way to the top of the comedy heap, the ones that guarantee a laugh. And who cares if you’ve already seen half of their show on TV, it’s a guaranteed laugh.

Nobody wants to make any guarantees about new comedians on the block like Adam Knox but there’s a rush to be had from placing a bet on new talent, having it pan out and then being able to boast ‘you saw them first and you always knew they would go on to great things!’

‘Cataclysmos’ is only Knox’s second show but if things continue in an upward trajectory his next season may require him to set up quite a few more seats for the audience than he had planned to. In ‘Cataclysmos’, Knox uses the three meanings of the word: Catastrophe, Deluge and Douche, to explore everything from how to solve climate change to back-handed compliments and sex. Wry, witty and a little loose, some of the funniest moments are prompted by things not running entirely smoothly and how Knox improvises to handle the situation.

Knox serenades us with song, (even performing his own house-music and taking requests as the audience arrives), makes creative use of giant flip-cards and charms his hecklers. He also makes fun of the ins and outs of stand-up comedy itself, drawing attention to the hiccups and the flat jokes and making the audience feel as if we are part of the show. It’s this level of intimacy and confrontation that is impossible to experience in a bigger venue and another good reason why you should catch this show this season. Quickly! Before he punches his way to the top of the heap.