Sometimes, a clever show title is all I need to see a performance. With Succulent Comedy Showcase (a play on the infamous 'succulent Chinese meal' viral video), audiences are treated to seven of Australia's best Asian comedians currently performing at the Adelaide Fringe. I love these types of shows because they provide a wide range of comedic styles in only sixty minutes. It's a buffet of comedy, so to speak, with many different tasty Asian dishes to savour.
Harry Jun was the host of our evening. Warming up the crowd and eliciting some big laughs in the process, I'd describe him as the Honey Chicken of this buffet. Everyone loves Honey Chicken; it always tastes good, there's no spice involved, and when it comes around on the bain-marie, you always go for a second helping. With Harry getting onstage between each new comedian, I appreciated his vibe and energy throughout each comedy set. A comedian from New Zealand, David Correos, was next up onstage. He is probably best described as this comedy buffet's Beef in Black Bean Sauce, as his jokes weren't for everyone, and some of his humour lingered a little longer than necessary. Correos is a comedian fascinated with onions, and that bit alone took up a good chunk of his performance. Kushi Venkatesh is a 19-year-old stand-up who is very funny and didn't linger too long after delivering some killer comedy. Her set lasted only five minutes at most, but like a good spring roll, it hit the spot. If Kushi lifted the crowd, it was Suren Jayemanne who brought them down. Like Kung Pao Chicken, his comedy came across as a little too spicy for some and even made a few audience members uncomfortable. I love awkward comedy. Seeing a comedian cross the line, pull it back, and cross it again is hilarious to me. I'd go back for seconds of Suren. Sweet & Sour Pork in the form of Kevin Han was next, bringing his easily accessible stand-up to the stage. Big and hearty and full of great comedic flavour, much like sweet & sour pork, even the white people in the audience loved him. Ting Lim was the closing act, which everyone enjoyed, like special fried rice. This easily digestible comedian talks about everyday relatable things and sometimes surprises you with unexpected hilarious observations... much like finding a shrimp in your fried rice.
Wholesome, filling, and a night that will leave you rubbing your belly (with laughter), the Succulent Comedy Showcase is an Asian buffet worth visiting again. Sit back with a bag of prawn crackers and enjoy!
**** Four Stars