Melbourne International Comedy Festival review

This might be her debut show, but Bronwyn Kuss demonstrates a surety – even boldness – in her delivery that’s born from confidence. And a well-placed confidence at that, given the strength of her distinctive material.

She’s not afraid to push home a repetition or let a punchline hang in the air for the best impact, and displays a fearless sang-froid with some routines. She certainly seems to enjoy making the men squirm while she confronts them with the reality of toxic shock syndrome, fixing them with an icy stare as she educates them in this strong opening gambit.

That approach gently thaws and she becomes a little more self-deprecating about her odd obsessions, although she remains dry and laconic – keeping her distance but gently mesmerising the room with her low-key approach. 

A hefty chunk of this best-newcomer-nominated hour relies on her regurgitating some of the most awful and problematic storylines from Home & Away. Kuss maximises the laughs she gets from this ‘found comedy’ with skilful edits and – again – timing, with pregnant pauses letting ghastliness sink in.

Elsewhere, there’s an hilarious anecdote about a misheard word causing hugely embarrassing crossed wires, a routine that will have you googling Tina Arena to check if it’s true (it is), and ruminations on ‘frigid’ being a schoolyard insult.

It’s a classy show, establishing Kuss as a noteworthy new voice on the festival scene.

Review date: 24 Apr 2022
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett