Gig review by Steve Bennett in Montreal

Kurt Braunohler is probably best known for his more absurd work, whether it be his old collaborations with Kristen Schaal or dadaist stunts such as hiring a skywriter to write ‘How do you land this thing?’ or driving a giant plastic butt across America.

But now he’s a dad, and that’s the new focus of his comedy as it is his life. Does that mean routines about changing nappies and kids say the darndest things?

To an extent, yes. His show in Montreal is a conversational affair about bringing up his five-year-old daughter, worrying about shifting priorities and reflecting on his own upbringing that might be immediately recognisable to any parent. But that is just the entry point for an hour that showcases Braunohler’s talent as a distinctive, witty storyteller.

Yes, there is a nappy-changing anecdote, but a memorably original one that rejects the assumed premise of such yarns. His new responsibilities make him wonder if splashing out $100 on a cheesy dog picture was money well-spent, triggering a train of thought he hopes will expose the absurdity of capitalism. And recalling his childhood, in a pre-health and-safety era, is a real eye-opener, beyond cheap nostalgia.

Stealthily, he draws you into his world. A recollection of the time he got a backstage pass for his beloved Dinosaur Jr and blew it is a comedy of embarrassment, but also a vivid example of how anxiety can get to you.

The vibe of the show is relaxed and unhurried. Braunohler is not battering the relatively modest audience with gags, but drawing them into his stories with mild-mannered charm, and ensuring the tales themselves are what’s funny, not a tagged-on punchline. Sometimes this means a little too long between laughs, but you’re always engaged.

For the master of the big idiotic stunt, Braunohler aims here are more modest, but he achieves them.

Review date: 28 Jul 2019
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett