Bang up for some late-night comedy on a Thursday and want bang for your buck? Well, the ladies from Bang Bang Agency: Bang On clearly had you in mind when they named their show.

Another variety night featuring (mainly) the female of the species, it’s coordinated by carny-about-town Anna “Pocket Rocket” Lumb and self-appointed Poet Laureate Telia Neville. Already, that’s a weird marriage of irrepressible acrobatics and deadpan-droll verse, but it works – the strong performers anchor the show with ease.

On opening night, MC Tina del Twist was an entertainingly over-the-top introduction to proceedings, but the novelty of Wes Snelling’s drunken dame didn’t last til swansong. It didn’t matter though – the crowd needed a breather in between some of the most fun-filled comics you’ll see this festival.

While the guest line-up rotates, on opening night cutesy Claudia O’Doherty stole the show. Her stand-up routine focused on detailing the best kind of comedy for her tastes, accompanied by an off-beat scary story-telling – both cheeky and charming.

Bang Bang regular Ruby Rubber Legs turned a fairly pedestrian strip-tease into the best piece of burlesque I’ve laid eyes on. Hugely inventive, Ruby won the crowd, delivered a lesson in both anatomy and patience.

Similarly slow-burning was ‘token male’ Matt Kelly. One-half of the List Operators, Matt’s entirely mimed audience-sing-along built up to pure genius, and can barely be explained. But rest assured, if you go through this festival without screaming lyrics at Matt’s behest, you have not maximised its comedy potential.

“Variety” in the best sense of the word, Bang Bang Agency: Bang On! is a delectable spread of entertainment. And for $10 at the door when you show any other show ticket, there’s no excuse not to dig in.