Review by Steve Bennett

The title of Umit Bali’s debut show calls to mind Eddie Murphy, as does his beaming, welcoming smile. But that’s as far as the comparison goes.

A charming, affable guy, Bali has not has the easiest of lives. He grew up in Fiji, so grindingly poor that the ball from a discarded deodorant was considered a toy, and deemed a ‘second-class’ citizen, by virtue of his Indian descent.

By lucky happenstance, his family managed to get a tourist visa to Australia when he was a child. However, they outstayed their permission to be in the country, becoming illegal immigrants – eventually busted by ASIO officers.

It’s a unique, fascinating tale – yet, why with such rich, promising source material, encompassing everything from arranged marriage to racism, does this show feel so flat?

Bali has certainly over-extended his storytelling abilities, with a rather straightforward approach that, although admirably honest, isn’t emotionally involving, which makes the hour drag. It also includes some segments, especially about bureaucracy that add little to the story and nothing to the comedy.

Comedy, incidentally, which seems something of an afterthought. There’s sometimes a dry wit in some of the bleaker situations – a winning anecdote about smuggling all their household goods through immigration, for example – but Bali has a tendency to unsubtly bolt on weak, generic stand-up with little link to the narrative.

The world – let alone a potentially heartfelt personal story – doesn’t need another substandard Facebook routine, while just as he build to the conclusion he breaks off to ponder why there isn’t an Indian version of Guess Who? (His answer: Because everybody looks the same). Chuck in some poor puns, which he apparently considers hilarious, despite all evidence, and there are few laughs to alleviate the drama.

There is certainly an amazing story to be told here, but Bali needs to develop a lot more as a comedian before he can truly do it justice.

Review date: 19 Apr 2012
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett
Reviewed at: Melbourne International Comedy Festival