Back to back Byrne

Last year I splashed out and laughed all the way to 5 shows at the Melbourne Comedy festival. Hughesy, Will Anderson, Chopper, Arj, and Jason Byrne.

Among the greats, Jason took it hands down. I never heard of Jason before, but decided to listen to my mate wax lyrical about this guy. It was one of those decisions I look back and think "I am so glad I made that decision".

So on a sunday afternoon, my mate and I planed to meet at the town hall. We both happened to have big nights beforehand. I ended up being about 10 minutes late, and my mate missed the train and was about 15 late.

We snuck in but the door was very close to the stage. I was 5 steps in, walking towards a back seat, when a voice booms "oh no you don't!! There are 2 seats for you HERE!!"

I turn around and see the lights focused on Jason on the stage. My focus then extends to his pointing finger, which coincidently is pointing to exactly 2 seats for my mate and I, front and centre of the first row.

Thinking we were forgiven with our "priority"seats, I began to relax and enjoy the show. But Jason had other ideas. He had only forgiven us for 2 minutes, before asking us questions. The next thing I know, my mate was on the stage. Being a great mate, I did my duty and took a photo with my phone. I dont know whether it was the sound or the flash, but it caught Jason's attention and his focus shifted from my mate to me.

The next thing I know, I am co-hosting this comedy gig with Jason. I am smack bang on stage, sitting down on the middle table, with 2 seats to my left, and 2 to my right. My mate is the assigned scorekeeper.

What you have to realise is that I had absolutely no idea what this show was or who this Jason Byrne person was. I walked into the room not knowing what to expect. And here I am, sitting in front of everyone, on stage, with a world reknowned comedian.

Once I started to grow accustom to the stage, the next round surprises came in. I soon came to realise the ticket I had bought, was entrance to a "comedy game show", similar to spicks and specks. Speaking of Spicks and Specks, out walked out the first team, which consisted of Adam Hills and Colin Lane (of Lano and Woodley). I shifted nervously in my wooden chair while trying to maintain a cool composure for the crowd. The opposition then proceeded to sit down next to my right. It was Greg Fleet and Tom Gleeson. After the first few jokes, I couldn't help but relax and soak in the comedic energy, even getting the crowd laughing a few times.

It was the best show I've ever been to, even beating the memorable Dave Callan's "Beautiful World" in 2006. Dave's show was amazing, and I remember walking out with a huge spring in my step and giant smile of satisfaction and laughter. Unfortunately, seeing him back to back in 2007 proved anti-climatic.

But Jason Byrne proved back to back shows could work. I saw him last night at the Capitol. Not one joke was recycled, and you could tell he was born for stage comedy. He is so random!! I thought he started a bit slow and my comedy critic came out to play for the first 10 minutes or so (granted I had finished work at 8:30pm and had to speed and run to the theater). But he pulled it off. He finished off strongly and had me laughing, with too many jokes to remember and use. Highly recommended!!