Review by Steve Bennett

There are only really two stars of this line-up of newish Canberra-based acts – and they share the same DNA.

Identical Twins Benjamin and James, aka the Stevenson Experience, weren’t that ambitious with their song parodies; but an engaging spirit permeated their act, especially when they shared good-natured badinage, playing up their sibling rivalry and physical similarities. They were surely the only choice to headline.

The show had been opened by another musical double-act Herbie and the Coleslaws, who tediously strung a load of below-the-belt references together and set them to music with songs such as Up Your Fanny. A humourless attack on redheads – making them one of several acts mining that same seam of ginger clichés this festival – only added to the idea that this was an unimaginative act bereft of decent ideas.

Talking of the familiar, Daniel Connell had some dull material about pick-up lines and some better one-liners of his own, while his description of a six-year-old soccer player was endearing. All too mild to really engage, but he seems like a nice chap.

Talking of lightweight, Emo Parsonson had a few insubstantial routines about country life, while his gag about checking in excess baggage of the emotional kind was laboured. Forgettable.

Dayne Rathbone’s piece de resistance was handing around cock-and-balls line drawings, so set your expectations accordingly. His teasing of a clearly embarrassed audience member who he dragged up on stage was uncomfortable to watch; while his own mock-shyness didn’t do anything to raise the energy of this late night showcase.

So not a great package show from the ACT. As I said at the start: two stars.

Review date: 13 Apr 2010
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett