NZICF13 REVIEW | STEPHEN K AMOS
Every British person I’ve asked knows who award-winning comedian Stephen K Amos is. It’s time everyone in New Zealand did, too. Stephen is back again for the New Zealand International Comedy Festival 2013, opening the festival with his new routine The Spokesman.
His show this year explores the idea of spokesmen in society and what it means to be one. Who are these people that issue press statements for various causes or when some entity is entwined in scandal? Who are they to tell us what to believe?
The Spokesman was entertaining and relevant, touching on current events, scandals and everyday life with a humorous point of view. A downfall for comedians can sometimes be that they do not tailor their show to their audience, especially when touring internationally. But having spent ample time performing at festivals in both Australia and New Zealand, Stephen used the rivalry between our countries to his full advantage by joking in a bloody good Aussie accent and mentioning Australia’s slowness to adopt marriage equality for gays in comparison to New Zealand, among other things, to the delight of the predominantly kiwi audience. Although, New Zealand also received its deserving fair share of ribbing for its provincial nature and first world problems.
The honesty of the show was very enjoyable. Stephen is openly gay and has no problem incorporating homosexual jokes or his experiences into his routine. Nevertheless, in The Spokesman he goes on to comically explain why he is not a role model or good spokesman for anything, including the gay community.
The major strength of Stephen’s shows is his masterful interaction with the audience. The level of engagement Stephen conjures up by interacting is what makes him really memorable. The fact that he is so willing to incorporate the audience, and thus unpredictable answers, into his performance displays his calibre. Stephen’s wit is quick, his timing instinctive and he is not afraid to venture off script into hilarious tangents. Potential audience members need not be afraid. Stephen may poke fun at a few in the front row, but not at all to the point of meanness. However, this is one comedian I have a feeling you would sorely regret heckling.
The only problem I had with the show was that the hour flew by and I didn’t want it to end. Stephen’s performance of The Spokesman is testament that you shouldn’t save the best for last – you put them on the opening night and the rest need to step up their game.
First published for Mac+Mae 2013.
