Hannah Gadsby has returned to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for her new show, Dogmatic, but if you’re expecting her usual show you’re in for a surprise.
No ‘woe’.
Yes, you heard me.
That’s not the only change.
She also wears pink. In one of her many costume changes!
This is Hannah Gadsby as you’ve never seen her before. After a five-star review last year, followed by contact information to both Beyond Blue and Lifeline, she’s decided to lose her trademark ‘woe’ and cash in on someone else’s area.
If there was a Venn diagram, Taylor Swift and Hannah Gadsby wouldn’t even be on the same page, but they say imitation is the highest form of flattery. And if flattery isn’t the objective, then a critical analysis will settle the intention.
Dropping the uncanny imitations of Ruby Rose that cover her Instagram, Hannah instead brings in some music and dance breaks (unfortunately no singing), channelling her inner Tay. Just to make sure she doesn’t infringe on any copyright entirely, there’s a few adorable dog videos and teaching of the many applications of a corn bag.
For me and my mother, seeing Hannah Gadsby is a tradition of ours – last year she turned me purple poking me, pointing out our similarities between us. It probably doesn’t help that, again, we were wearing similar outfits. This year I instead poked my mum, pointing out facts such as her son and Hannah’s dog have the same name. And apparently it’s an awful name. It was brilliant revenge.
Did I mention, no ‘woe’?
Endearing as ever, Hannah remains fresh and relevant ten years into her career. She has a knack for timing only seen by professionals of her calibre, as well as a masterful ability to deliver laconic lines with relative ease. ‘Dogmatic’ keeps what Australia has grown to love about her while adding a dash of pink and many more anecdotes to keep you laughing out loud.
-Samantha
Samantha Ferris is a sardonic consumer of caffeine and future crazy cat lady who occasionally writes things. Find her on Facebook.
Dogmatic is playing until the 17th of April at ACMI – Beyond. Purchase tickets. The venue is accessible.
Check out our guide to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for more great shows.
