Melbourne comedy festival review by Steve Bennett

Super-charming, super-happy comedian seeks an audience for an hour of uncomplicated fun with no consequences. Nath Valvo is one of those stand-ups – and there are a fair few of them – who offer an hour of invigorating laughs so straightforward they’re sure to put you in a good mood, even if it’s light on substance. 

The cornerstone of Tongue In Cheek is the idea that you always end up turning into your parents, that most universal of observations. Despite his fears, he hasn’t got there himself yet. He may be 32, but he’s a young 32: the tone of his stories vacillates between teenage petulance and an excited – if overwhelmed – exploration of the world… not least when he finds himself part of a foursome.

There’s a routine about receiving dick pics in a pre-broadband world, which transports us back to the late 1990s… or at least back to the last time you heard another comedian talking about receiving dick pics in a pre-broadband world. It’s nicely done, but a bit old hat, like much of his hour. He speaks of people thinking he must be a carer to his much hotter boyfriend, of mums ruining Facebook – familiar territory all, which is both his appeal and a limitation.

Some other segments fire along: he especially has great fun with the questions straight couples always ask him. And on the subject of lists, some of his disparate, shorter thoughts are down on clipboards as collections of ‘facts’. Well, no use wasting a gag just because it doesn’t fit in the show…

His enthusiastic energy is irresistible throughout – and that’s his biggest asset. He’s supremely likeable and builds a sweet, dynamic rapport with the audience, guaranteed to underline their good time. But will they remember him in the morning?

Review date: 7 Apr 2016
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett