Melbourne International Comedy Festival review

Noah Szto is virtually in a double-act with his own venue, a karaoke room featuring a full-wall projection of Chairman Mao he insists he can’t turn off, unthemed ephemera and even exposed nails he has to warn one section of the room about. And that’s even before the alleged owner pops his head around the door for an exchange that’s just awkward, not awkwardly funny.

Talking about the unusual setting allows this festival newcomer to do what he does best, chat confidently with the audience, putting them at ease with his assured, friendly manner that elevates his collection of childhood stories. 

There’s a slight double edge to this talent, though, in that his affability allows him to draw a story out and still have us engaged, whereas a greater thirst for punchlines would step the hour up a gear. 

Perhaps he has taken the show’s theme to heart – although the message that he wants to forego perfectionism and relax into having fun is only loosely applied. After all, you wouldn’t want slapdashery to pervade his day job as a medic.

His anecdotes from his youth in a biracial Mormon family don’t always have a neat closure. The stand-out yarn about his teacher roping him into a bizarre prank certainly raises unanswered questions about what happened next. But it’s an entertaining story, not least because of that educator’s entirely unprofessional conduct, which young Szto felt compelled to go along with, thanks to his eager-to-please personality.

That attitude still pervades his comedy, and it would be a hard heart that wasn’t endeared by his cheery good nature and ever-present style.

You also have to admire the up-and-comer for going it alone in doing all the work in putting on his own show in this most unlikely of rooms. That’s the sort of determination and hard graft that should propel him far.

Review date: 16 Apr 2024
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett
Reviewed at: Melbourne International Comedy Festival