What followed in the epic live event was a celebration of all things Dum Dum. Banter, drinks, ‘got-him’ moments, chocolate mouse, drinks, rad dad, jokes that went a bit too far, outstanding guest appearances and more drinks. In addition to the stand-up from Dilruk, Xavier and Demi, we were delighted with the presence of Dave Thornton, Adam Richard, Tom Ballard, Danny McGinlay, Adam Rozenbacks and Anthony ‘Lehmo’ Lehmann. Even Nick Cody made a special appearance starkers via Skype (cannot un-see). For what was an evening full of laughter, here are a couple of highlights:

• Tommy and Karl book-ended their stand-up well in classic Dum Dum style. Side note: the mini-versions of Karl and Tommy were haunting!
  
• Demi completed a dangerous stunt (and overcame significant OH&S issues) through brilliant use of the podcast medium. Also, who knew Demi could rap?   
• Without trying to spoil the podcast…can we talk about Dave’s talent for voices? Having only heard his impressions on the podcast, seeing them live was an absolute treat!
• Dum Dum Club live events excel in comedians sitting around, having a great time riffing off of each and making as many jokes as they can.

Two word review: Stag & Sober
 
Stag & Sober is not the name of the new pub I am opening, rather it is how I attended Thursday Comedy @ European Bier Café (120 Exhibition St, Melbourne). Set on the first level of the venue (up one flight of stairs), I was greeted by two acts for the night Ben Lomas and Karl Chandler, paid my $12 entry fee and found a spot for the 8:30pm start. 
 
A relaxed and informal mood appeared to have taken over the venue and the attendees. I have not been to a packed house at the venue before, but it was clear that seats away from the stage were at a premium. Particularly, the booths and tables at the back filled up quickly; however, those few rows closest to the stage remained abandoned for the duration of the night. There is a good intimacy to the venue so if a comedian wants to engage the audience then there is plenty of opportunity and the audience’s proximity to the stage helps facilitate this.
 
Now, as always, onto the comedy!
 
Our MC for the night Ben Lomas was a friendly and approachable host. It’s clear he enjoys what he does and gets a thrill from an enthusiastic and riled up crowd! Ben had good confidence in his set and his commentary and impersonation of Weight Watchers meeting attendees was hauntingly hilarious. Despite the lack of appreciation for his part in the Comedy Channel’s ‘Open Slather’, and finishing his first bit on an awkward note, Ben did a solid job with a crowd eager to heckle.
 
Alasdair Tremblay-Birchall (ATB) was a welcome appearance! Having never seen him perform before, I was not sure how to take his offbeat and quirky comedy style. Nevertheless, ATB put forward a short but memorable set. 
 
Freshly announced host of Comedy Channel’s Whose Line Is It Anyway Australia, Tommy Little also made an appearance at Thursday Comedy. I appreciate it when a comic is up front that they’re working with new material as there is something enjoyable about watching a comedian play through ideas. Tommy knew where his set landed and where it didn’t but also had the skill to work with the crowd to make the best of it. An issue that complicated the opportunity to riff new material were less than helpful hecklers. While many may disagree, as an audience member I’m a big fan of the ‘speak when spoken to’ rule, or in special circumstances, heckling with guaranteed zingers. If you’re a heckler and you yell out to explain the punch line that was just offered up to you, you’re going to have a bad time: “Perry… it’s like the sauce”. *face-palm* 
 
Little Dum Dum Club’s Karl Chandler offered ten jokes (give or take) up to the audience for their enjoyment. A big part of Karl’s stand up that I enjoy is his audience interaction and his experience with hecklers. However, when dealing with a back row of mumbling hecklers, it really doesn’t offer much for the comedian on stage to work with. Karl made a point of offering too much power to the audience by giving them a voice, and he was spot on. If the hecklers are offering something, it can be worthwhile, but there comes a point where a comic has to abandon audience interaction and finish with scripted material, which Karl did.
 
Who dares speak while ‘The Boss’ is on stage? Nick Cody smashed out a quality set drawn from his Melbourne International Comedy Festival show 'Come Get Some'. But seriously, who has a chat while a comedian is performing on stage? Not trying to point fingers or anything but YES YOU SEATS IN THE BACK - have your conversation another time. If the comedian can hear your muttering dialogue, it’s too loud. Nick pushed through this and was the standout performance of the night.
 
THE MOONMAN IS IN THE BUILDING! I thoroughly enjoy seeing Australian comedians who have been in the industry for so many years. I was particularly keen to see how the seasoned professional and headliner Lawrence Mooney approached the short set. Despite swearword and dick-joke punch lines appearing to appeal most to the semi-intoxicated audience, Mooney’s observations of marriage and his topical political satire finished off the night well. Mooney has more depth to offer than basic crudeness and it is his life experiences and commanding stage presence that amplifies his comedy.  
 
While it has no affiliation to this website, worth checking out some great shots from the night @joeblander.

Now, onto the comedy… It would be unfair to go through and ‘review’ each of the comics who performed on 30 May. Rather, I want to give some props to some of the highlights of the night.
 
Aaron Gocs MC’d the evening, taking over from one half of the Little Dum Dum Club Podcast’s Karl Chandler who said hi*! Aaron did a top job dealing with the thirsty crowd (for both comedy and booze). Despite times where he mumbled and lost some confidence, Aaron used self-deprecating humour to great effect and his comedy shone when talking about his kids and his love for them. He may have a mullet, but the man appreciates the important things in life. Aaron did a great job keeping the energy up and making me want a Big M.  *Karl didn’t even call anyone a dickhead… I was impressed! 
 
The stand out for the night for me was Danielle Walker. The snippets of Danielle’s set online do not do her comedy justice as she smashed her short set @Spleen. Danielle hit some uncomfortable limits for some audience members but thrilled others. Very keen to see her offering for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2017.   
 
Adam Rozenbachs’ set was clever and relatable. Having not seen much of his work before, Adam produced a solid series of jokes without breaking a sweat. Despite wanting to avoid the phrase ‘professionalism’, Adam nailed the short set and gave the audience what they were after. There was no indication Adam was trying out new material, so if he was, kudos. Will have to download an episode of his AFL Podcast ‘JunkTime’ and check it out.
 
Mike Goldstein’s set worked well for the packed gig, got solid laughs and appeared relaxed on stage. The guy seems like a likable character and an experienced comic. No fuss but very funny stand up.
 
I rate Demi Lardner. This I’ve already covered here, after seeing her 2016 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Show ‘Life Mechanic’. Demi’s stature makes it difficult for the latecomers to see what is going on, on stage, but if this is all I am pulling her up on, you know she nailed her spot.
 
The choice of Ivan Aristeguieta to close out the show was a good one! Ivan brings lots of energy to the stage, which draws the audience’s slightly inebriated attention. Ivan used audience interaction to support his set well, and while claiming he was trying out new material, appeared to get laughs beyond his expectation. Ivan has a show on sale for Melbourne-based punters on 2 July if you’re keen to check him out. Would love to sit down with Ivan to chat, to talk about comedy but also to ask…what is the bouncy ball all about?

Hugging Comedians will be returning to Comedy @ Spleen…. when those Monday night beers wear off…