Comedy Fest: Michael Hing, An Open Letter (Review)

AFTER sell-out seasons at the Sydney Comedy and Fringe Festivals, Time Out Sydney Comedian of the Year nominee, Michael Hing debuts an hour-long show about racism, inequality and dick jokes. Lots of dick jokes.

Michael Hing appeals to his audience with his casual zipped-up hoody, t-shirt and hipster glasses. He gives off a laidback, funny-yet-cool-but-still nerdy vibe. He is a Starcraft 2 champion, a Facebook addict, an unexpected rebel and he loves noodles.

But don’t get on his bad side or he may just create a website in your name to rant about how unpleasant you are. (Oh and by the way ladies, he is also single.)

Filling out almost every seat in Trades Hall’s charming little bookshop, Michael Hing delivers comedy gold with hilarious stories about his life in Sydney. He describes the Harbour City as “a horrible place where creativity goes to die”.

Incredibly charismatic, Michael’s act was very informal and enjoyable. He even got some audience members involved. Plus, we know he’s a legitimate comedic legend because he came to the stage armed with a PowerPoint presentation courtesy of his mad computer skills.

Michael’s joke are all fairly anecdotal. He tells stories about his bad-ass dad, his grandmother who became the unfortunate victim of a misfired joke, his friends and their poor, sexist dating advice, and his not-so-generic childhood in Sydney. He even finds a way to take the racism he encountered at the Hyde Park Night Noodle Market and transform it into something light and funny.

Michael ends his act by reading an open letter to rich white people explaining their role in the downfall of civilization. I thought it was hilarious.

Throughout the entire show, Michael had impeccable comedic timing. His whole act flowed extremely well and I found myself enjoying every minute of it. I would definitely recommend this show to anyone looking for something new and fresh in the comedy world.

Intrigued? Watch this sneak-peak of Michael Hing telling a story about his bad-ass dad:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIvMeMqbUYc&[/youtube]

Michael Hing will be performing his hour-long stand-up comedy act at Trades Hall, corner of Lygon and Victoria St, every Tuesday to Saturday at 8.45pm, and every Sunday at 7.45pm till April 22.

Ticket prices range from $16.00 to $20.50. For bookings, visit the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s website.