Fringe favourite Aboriginal Comedy Allstars always promises to be a good time, and this year was no different. Hosted once again by Ngarrindjeri man Kevin Kropinyeri, there were five other comedians on the roster. Janty Blair, Sean Choolburra, Elaine Crombie, Andy Saunders, and Jay Wymarra joined their host to deliver not just a night of Aboriginal comedy, but a night of fantastic comedy designed for anyone.
The night starts with Choolburra on stage with his didgeridoo, but with a modern twist. It is a fantastic way to welcome the crowd in and it sets the theme for the evening.
The audience is introduced to the line-up and to Kropinyeri’s infectious energy. It is noticeable right away that he is a seasoned professional, who knows how to get the audience on-side. He pulls laughs instantly as he reassures the “whitefellas” in the audience that they are allowed to laugh here. While there are Aboriginal references from Kropinyeri, they aren’t so specific that the audience feels left out.
The first comedian is Blair, who exudes what her shirt says: Big Aunty Energy. After entering the room dancing, she starts her set, which is broadly relatable. Being a proud Butchulla, Mununjhali and Woppaburra woman is one aspect of her, just like her roles as a woman and a mother are part of her, too. No matter her subject matter, Blair entices the audience to giggle with her.
Following her is Crombie, a woman of Pitjantjatjara, Warrigmal, South Sea and German descent. With a raise of her eyebrow and a flick of her hair, Crombie has the entire audience hanging onto her every word. While there were brief references to last year’s Voice referendum and the result, Crombie doesn’t let those stop the show, instead bringing it to our attention in her charmingly comedic way.
The shining star of the night is Wymarra, the Torres Strait representation in the line-up. Harking from the Gudang/Yadaykenu, Meriam and Saibai Koedal peoples, his comedy is quintessential millennial humour and he knows exactly where to push forward and pull back. That being said, he pulls no punches with the political figures that have been in the news over the past year and his commentary is both tongue-in-cheek and hilarious. Wymarra is quick, witty and his impromptu crowd work shows that the stage is where he belongs.
Next is Saunders, a proud Biripi man who also shone. Saunders is dry with his delivery and punchlines, not letting his audience relax for a moment as he gets laugh after laugh. With little bursts of energy scattered amid his deadpanning, he holds our attention for his entire segment and makes good use of the time he has.
The night ends, as it should, with Choolburra. The Gu-Gu-Yalanji, Kalkadoon, Kandju and Bwgcolman godfather of Aboriginal comedy has not lost his talent. His entire set is like being with your favourite Uncle as he spins a tale, going off on tangents before he eventually gets back to the story he was originally telling you.
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Aboriginal Comedy Allstars has humour for everyone (above the age of 18), which is all anyone can ask from a great comedy show.
Aboriginal Comedy Allstars is at Umbrella Revolution in the Garden of Unearthly Delights until March 17.
Courtney Jaye is a Ngarrindjeri woman and writer who grew up all around Australia and is currently living on Kaurna country. She is a recipient of the Arts South Australia and InReview First Nations Arts Writing mentorship. Courtney is working with Martu author and freelance writer Karen Wyld to write a series of articles for publication in InReview.
Read more 2024 Adelaide Fringe coverage here on InReview.
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