Laughs of Launnie guide: The Examiner's top picks
Expect to hear the sound of laughter across Launceston this weekend. With 32 comedians performing 110 shows in dozens of venues for Laughs of Launnie, it's almost overwhelming. The Examiner has seen every comedian performing in the festival, and we've put together a few recommendations for you to plan your weekend.
To take the girls, or your boyfriend.
Kai Humphries. This delightful Brit is a natural at his warm, good-natured style of comedy - we want him as a guest at any and all of our house parties. He does a fresh, satisfying, post-#MeToo version of the "have you ever noticed men and women are different??!" bit, that are sure to pull genuine, "oh my god we do do that!", laughs.
To take your mum.
Ned Townsend. A lot of beginner comedians, including some on this line-up, go through an uncomfortable, shock-instead-of-surprise, outrageous-instead-of-funny stage, before they land on truly original material. Not so Ned Townsend. The baby-faced Tasmanian is enthusiastic and endearing - and most importantly, funny - with a very mild edge, and plenty of affectionate digs at Ulverstone (his home town).
To see R-rated comedy.
Lori Bell. This shawl-wearing, ukelele-playing, owl-glasses-wearing grandmother character has a spectacular dirty show. Set-ups spin into stunning punchlines that leave the audience reeling. She'll give you the old-lady-genitals-meet-sex-toys jokes you didn't know you needed in your life.
NOT SO SWEET: Lori Bell. Picture: Supplied
To learn something new.
Kirk Smith. From an upbringing in Central America to parenting a child with autism, Kirk Smith covers a lot of ground. His popularity has rapidly grown in the past 12 months and it's clear to see why - he has a strong stage presence and delivers his jokes with impeccable timing. Autism is a delicate subject, but Smith handles his personal experiences with care and is never mocking. You come away with a greater understanding of the world - and a lot of laughs.
To see a show a 4.20pm.
Bryan O'Gorman. Canada is the world leader in legalised recreational cannabis. So it's no surprise that it's also a world leader in "stoner humour". But instead of the worn cliches of munchies and memory loss, Bryan O'Gorman gives a modern take on what it's like to live your life in a futuristic world where weed is readily available. His anecdotes are delivered hilariously - from run-ins with ice users, to bush walking with bears - and it's an insight into the pros and cons of "legalising it".
To get some feminist inspiration.
Sharon Mahoney. Self-described as Canada's answer to Patsy Stone, Sharon Mahoney doesn't hold back with her tales of an upbringing with incredibly strong female role models of a different era. Her style is engaging and, above all, raw and real. Obviously the title of her show - which won't be repeated here - gives you a little insight into what to expect when it comes to obscene language. But then again, this is the real world, and Mahoney uses it perfectly and to maximum impact.
The Examiner Top Pick
THE BEST: Stephen K Amos. Picture: Karleen Minney
Stephen K Amos. Who else? The British comedian is well-deserving of every inch of his excellent reputation. His set on Monday night was the only time we found ourselves involuntarily clapping - a true class act.
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