Mathew Kenneally wants to talk to you about the culture of the post-hope buzz. The world after the excitement of Obama’s victory, after Kevin07’s popularity. The world where the stark reality of climate change, alcopops and the global financial crisis threaten to take all the fun out of life. But rather than lament on these rather depressing topics, this talented comic launches on them with a passion that turns it all around and has you chuckling for more.

There are times when Kenneally’s material does require a certain amount of political, news and cultural knowledge, which could leave some audience members scratching their heads. But that’s not to say his whole show is above their heads – through his relaxed attitude and everyday references, he manages to make the most complicated of issues seem like a casual conversation in a bar. Kenneally’s heightened self-awareness really allows his sometimes bumbling nature to shine, allowing quick self-deprecating remarks to be off the cuff and responsive to his performance.

I must admit, though, I found Kenneally’s show all the more entertaining for a purely coincidental reason. His half an hour devoted to poking fun at the Greens (and party leader Bob Brown) was made all the more amusing when, after the show, I introduced myself: ‘Hey Matt, nice show – I’m here to review you for The Pun. I also work for Bob Brown.’ I’ve never seen someone so worried they had offended a public figure before. So Matt, don’t stress – I think Bob would agree with me that your delivery, material and political knowledge is top-notch.

Quick-witted, intelligent and informed, Kenneally has a very likeable (if somewhat nervous) stage presence that will appeal to everyone who hates the Herald Sun.

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