Review: LUKE JOSEPH RYAN - REINTRODUCING 2012 CLEO BATCHELOR OF THE YEAR NOMINEE: ADELAIDE FRINGE 2018 at The Nook, The Producers

Reviewed by Christine Pyman, Thursday 15th February 2018.

Luke Joseph Ryan is a comedian worth watching, in Luke Joseph Ryan- Reintroducing 2012 Cleo Batchelor of the Year Nominee. Anyone who can deal with technical problems, a tiny audience, and an even tinier space, whilst being drowned out by Fringe opening night fireworks, with wit and aplomb, and do it while having his audience in stitches, has to be good.

The Nook at The Producers is possibly one of the most intimate spaces that anyone could perform in, with the artist and the audience literally face to face. No technical help, lighting, or music, the artist provides it and does it all. His ten years experience as a stand up comedian backing some very well know comedians, and appearing in his own right on Nova Radio and Nickelodeon, stands him in good stead, and obviously has enabled him to deal with anything, including some recalcitrant audience members comments, which he quickly made into a part of his show.

Covering sex, age, and scatological themes, Ryan made his entire act appear off the cuff, when the majority of it was obviously well thought out and prepared. His act starts with the premise of him being a finalist in the magazine Cleo's Bachelor of the Year, and how things went downhill from there. Original jokes, scattered with some audience needling, a very tiny amount of comedic dance, together with a dodgy microphone, held together with a great deal of humour and confidence, made this show an intimate, slightly awkward, but ultimately enjoyable experience.

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