Emceed by Dave Callan, The Comedy Zone was the focus point for five new and emerging comics to appear at the Festival after being spotted by “talent scouts” – apparently.

First up Shayne Hunter from the Sunshine State (Queensland, that is) who trundled out on stage armed with incisive, cutting observational one liners in a deadpan, apathetic delivery style, which garnered the first belly laughs of the night.

New South Welshwoman Emma Zammit was next, peddling old and tired wog jokes and coupling them with similarly worn Gen Y material; she didn’t really entertain and was clunky, repetitive and just plain weird.

Warren Milera, hailing from South Australia, enlightened us on Aboriginal-English translations and native animals with tourettes syndrome. Although his act was scattered, his positive take on Aboriginal humor was a big plus.

Charles Barrington the Third, alter ego of Andy Rodger of Victoria, was the definite highlight. Though taking a while to warm up he became scorchingly funny. The consummate actor dressed in turtleneck and aviators, clutched a tumbler of whiskey and took us through his distinguished acting career, prolific authorship and his second (and third) loves, jam and beekeeping.

Goth Michael Workman, (who can apparently only beat up emos) pranced across the stage with mad facial contortions and provided a raft of entertaining self-deprecating observational humor.

The less outstanding acts in the middle were sandwiched between some genuinely funny acts, and overall it is well worth seeing these rising stars – secure your bragging rights now before some of these guys are big.