The snappy one liner is fast becoming a rare gem in today’s conversations. Delivery is a skill that few possess. It’s in the timing, the tone, the totally irrelevent link (or lack there of) to the previous phrase. They stand alone, and this is where the Birdmann carves his niche.

He’s an odd-looking fellow, and delivers his single-lined quips like a newspaper deliver boy; he throws, and regardless whether it hits its target or not, he keeps on throwing. Most hit, some better than most, and when he may just be losing them – he distracts with a kooky rope trick. Of course, this is where my newsaper boy analogy falls down, but you get my drift I hope.

It’s a show that really is what it sets out to be – one liners, over and over. I felt at times that he’d raided my Dad’s joke library, particularly the ‘How to be amusing at dinner parties’ series. Maybe it’s just me, but as much as I love a well-delivered, punchy paradox, I also am a sucker for a good yarn. These one liners are heading towards the absurd in the style of Stephen Wright, and I did laugh out loud at a few doozies, but I wanted a bit more of a thread to the narrative – or a callback at least.

The live accompanist was a nice touch, and all in all it was a fun show that the audience really responded well too. And I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t repeat a few of my favourites at the water cooler at work on Monday, but only the ones I remember.

Finished reading this article? You might also like:

• PunCast Episode 11 – The Birdmann
• Adam Vincent – Adamland
• Birdmannifesto: Night of the Birdmann