My first impression when walking into the Athenaeum Theatre to see Alex ‘Shooter’ Williamson was Jim Beam cans, raspberry Vodka Cruisers and a pungent mix of ‘Joop!’ and Britney Spears’ ‘Fantasy’. Even my boyfriend could pick the smell of ‘Fantasy’ in the waiting crowd. What I’m trying to say is that Shooter, the self-proclaimed ‘Loosest Aussie Bloke’ attracts a certain age demographic to his shows.
Does this mean he’s not funny? Well, no. He’s actually brilliantly funny. Shooter’s humour is the crassest kind that uses dirty language for cheap laughs and regales tales of drug use and sex to get a reaction from the crowd. But mixed in with the bogan banter was a kind of humour that tells me Alex is the guy that drinks and smokes more than anyone at the party, but at 5am can be found having deep political and sociological discussions in a dark corner.
‘Open Up’ is obviously not a show you take your parents to (if only the guy in front of me had read this warning first), and it’s not a show for the politically correct or those of sensitive ears. But if you want your inner bogan to shine proudly for the night and be kept laughing for a full hour, well, Shooter’s your man.
-Charli W.
Charli is a creative writer, food lover, and Harry Potter aficionada in her last year of a History degree. She is sure she will find a way combine these things one day, to great success. If not, she’ll pack up and become a bartender somewhere in the Caribbean with a fabulous year-round tan.
‘Open Up’ runs again 1-2 April at the Athenaeum Theatre. Venue is accessible.
Check out our guide to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for more great shows.
