By Xavier McGettigan
I had the absolute pleasure of attending Larry Dean’s stand-up comedy show, “FUDNUT” at the Swiss Club as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2023. It is an absolutely brilliant show. Dean had me in stitches from the very beginning with his chaotic brand of humour, which he effortlessly delivered while holding the audience in the palm of his hand.
One of the things I loved most about Dean’s performance was his confessional style of humour mixed with absolute candour. He fearlessly and delightedly explained to the straight members of the audience about queer experiences such as cuckolding, PREP, the awkwardness of accidentally coming out and being illegal in Abu Dhabi, sounds overly serious? Not after his amazing segment showing how sad jokes are funny when told to happy music (worth trying next time you have to deliver bad news).
The attention to detail in “FUDNUT” was also impressive. All the pre-show music was intricately linked to the story of the show, which was a nice touch. However, what stood out most to me was the way Dean managed to effortlessly navigate through tangents. He was able to expertly weave in and out of topics, and he had a unique talent for holding an audience in awkward spaces. His ability to make people squirm with delight at either his or their own discomfort is truly remarkable.
Another highlight of “FUDNUT” was Dean’s wide range of impersonations. His Australian accents were some of the most accurate I’ve ever heard from a non-Aussie, and his impersonations of other characters/accents were downright sidesplitting. I found myself laughing uncontrollably at his impressions, confessions and self-commentary.
Dean’s relatable stories are the soul of his comedy. Granted, as a fellow alphabet-hogging LGBTQ/ADHDer (look up the punchline from his Gala performance), it’s possible I find him more relatable than most, yet his style is relatable by nature. His jokes were quick-fire and hilarious, but he also knew when to slow things down and hang in an awkward space for added effect. The combination of his expert timing and relatable stories made for an unforgettable experience.
Larry Dean’s “FUDNUT” was an absolute delight to watch. From his confessional style of humour to his impeccable timing and attention to detail, Dean had me in stitches from start to finish. Don’t miss the rest of his season, being a return show this is your last chance!
