Every festival there is an international comedian who seemingly has done absolutely nothing in the way of research about the country he is playing in, and Nik Coppin isn’t this year’s. Coppin’s knowledge of Australian life and Australiana in general is more than that of your average Englander. Meaning: he knows that we don’t all ride round in kangaroos or catch wombats to work. Oh, he also knows a little about football, so extra points for that.

Coppin’s show Spiders’ Man! is unlike any other show I have seen to date. His unique blend of English humour combined with his worldly experience make this one show not to missed. The title Spiders’ Man! comes from Coppin’s arachnophobia, which makes you wonder why he has travelled to a land with some of the most dangerous spiders in the world.

Coppin deals with events that have shaped his life in ways that endear him to the heart of each and every audience member. This show is well worth the price of admission merely to see the highly improvisational style of show due to the self-proclaimed lack of preparation. Still??no worries, hey?

Playing at the illustrious Elephant and Wheelbarrow on Bourke Street, Coppin is one Englander who I would be happy call an ‘adopted Aussie’. In his third year at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Coppin sets a new benchmark for international comedy. At least, he does for those who hail from England.

Beware the bunny suit.