REVIEW: ROB HUNTER IN LATE O’CLOCK WITH ROB HUNTER

2013 MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL

REVIEW: ROB HUNTER IN LATE O’CLOCK WITH ROB HUNTER

VENUE AND DATES: MELBOURNE TOWN HALL, CLOAK ROOM, 3 PERFORMANCES ONLY, UNTIL APRIL 15

ASSESSMENT: Part stand-up, part goofy Q&A, all fun.

ROB HUNTER

STAR RATING: ****.

It’s obvious watching Late O’Clock with Rob Hunter, that, the comedian has watched plenty of US talk shows. The third season of the popular, mock talk show, which is videocast, finds Rob doing what Leno, and Letterman do best - sitting behind a desk, bantering aimlessly with a straight-man. For Hunter, it’s Luke McGregor. The format works a treat.

With his spectacles, v-neck sweater, and tie, Hunter resembles that dorky substitute high school science teacher you poked fun at. Only Rob, we discover, has a nasty streak.

Guest time. It’s the ubiquitous Dave O’Neil. Three minutes of stand-up for Dave. Then Q&A time with Rob, who is a dry, witty, sharp interrogator. Didn’t know that, O’Neil ran as an independent candidate for the Federal seat of Gellibrand.

Claire Hooper is Rob’s second guest, and her routine consists of arguing with her TV about the current spate of stupid Dad and stupid Mum ads. Her Q&A session with Rob is a hoot. Besides discussing his intimate toilet habits, Rob reveals himself totally inept at talking with women. Claire does her best to coach Rob in the finer arts of flirting. Big fail, Rob. 

Musician, Jason English, press-ganged into being Rob’s straight-man after he unceremoniously sacked McGregor, is a surprisingly good guitarist with a smooth singing voice. His parody song, You Are So Beautiful With Your Make Up On, is a highlight.  

Tune in for the next videocast to see if McGregor gets his job back.

BY: JOE CALLERI.

NB: REVIEW ALSO PUBLISHED ON HERALD SUN ONLINE, TUESDAY, 2 APRIL, 2013.