I know this is a pretty early call, like announcing Geelong as Premiers after two matches, but Stephen K Amos could be the funniest bloke at the Comedy Festival – certainly he’d make the final eight.

The opening night audience laughed non-stop through his one hour stand-up routine as he reflected on life, asked impertinent questions and did a devastating ‘Where are you from’? routine. Amos’ manner was impudent and disarming – his eyes and observations sparkled.

The show was introduced by Amos’ ‘father’, in traditional African gown, speaking a native language, all wide eyes, chattering teeth and glottal stops. He gesticulates, grins wickedly and cackles like Desmond Tutu. An announcer gave us an unlikely translation of his tirade’very funny indeed.

Amos’ great ear for accents took us around the world. His New Yorkers, surprised South Africans (They thought he was there to sweep the stage.), and redneck Queenslanders were deadly accurate.

Sadly, he reminded us, he never fulfilled his father’s dream of him becoming a lawyer. ‘Yet here I am,’ he said, ‘standing up in front of a roomful of strangers, telling lies!’

‘The roomful’ was in the Council Chambers, and it was the funniest night there since John So announced he was standing for ‘re-erection’. The ornate room is a treasure, but it’s too small for Stephen K Amos. He’ll sell out repeatedly as word of mouth kicks in. He needs a bigger venue, otherwise half of Melbourne will miss out, and that’ll be a pity: he’s premiership material.