The Pun

Adam Hills: Characterful

By Lefa Singleton Norton ⋅ April 20, 2006 ⋅  Email This Post ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

From the moment he comes out from behind the curtain, Hills chats to his audience in his eminently likeable, cheeky and affable manner. He has the ability to put an audience instantly at ease, even when teasing them, creating the mood of friendly Sunday arvo drinks rather than audience/performer dynamic.

After recently becoming a godfather (less in the Brando way, more in the Jesus way), Hills wonders how he can teach his new godson to have good character. Increasingly, we seek to botox away natural lines, homogenise ourselves and the environment around us, and lose the things that are unique, interesting and character-filled. While he laments this loss, he also provides an insight on the people he feels taught him good character and how we should all seek to find and value spirit, moral fibre and character around us.

Hills, unlike many other comedians, doesn’t come across as the goofy class clown or bitter satirist. He’s just that genuine, entertaining guy who is able to create humor without putting anyone else down. His reflections on our modern world are not filled with cynicism but an enthusiasm for fun and a boldfaced optimism. Not always squeaky clean, yet somehow still able to get away with being rude and not crass, Hills achieves a fine balancing act. It’s a genuine tummy-drumming show which leaves the audience satisfied and positively upbeat.

* For those who are deaf or hearing impaired, Hills provides a sign language interpreter for the show each Sunday night.