Review – Rear Admiral, Opening Night
On Monday night began Adelaide’s newest weekly comedy show at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel – Rear Admiral Comedy, hosted by Julia Clarke. The night consisted of five comics with ten minutes each, plus a feature act for about twenty-five minutes. Attendance was more than respectable, with most of The Gov’s front bar occupied.
Followers of comedy in South Australia will be glad to see a new night for local comics. While comedy is still somewhat of a cottage industry in Adelaide, there is certainly some talent around our little town and we’re glad to see Rear Admiral giving locals a spot. Of the support acts on the night, Adelaide Comedy legend Big Al delivered the goods as expected and next week’s host James McCann showed poise, between some awkward moments where gags didn’t quite work. The stand out of the supports was Port Pirie-born Jon Brooks, who managed to move easily from social commentary to personal reflection. Brooks’ comedy rarely felt flat or forced but was rather entertaining and intimate. Indeed the venue itself is a rather cosy setting. Those familiar with the layout of The Gov will know that performances in the front bar can be a little tight when an audience turns out.
Host Julia Clarke fared well enough without setting the world on fire. One feels she was a little hamstrung by the elongated introductions of her offsider for the night, Justin Stone, whose antics felt hackneyed and limp. Feature act Amos Gill delivered a crass yet considered set, which attempted to balance the bawdy with the benign. Gill ambled through his feature at a good pace and managed to prevent any clumsy mishaps on the ridiculously small stage. Overall the content of the night was fairly consistent. Some seemed a little squeamish at the offensive material, but if you tend to feel that way at a comedy event then learn to leave those feelings at the door, or stay at home. Taking offence at a joke being poorly constructed or simply not funny, however, is perfectly acceptable.
Overall for $8 entry (or $15 with a schnitzel) the night is inexpensive and enjoyable. Those running the event are evidently giving time to comics who have been on the circuit for at least some time and can handle a ten minute spot. One wonders the viability of a Monday night show, given a number of similar shows are on offer in the city on the same night, but if you’re looking for a comedy gig early in the week you’ll be in safe hands at this venue.
