[More than Ok]
Matt Okine has an impressive comedic résumé. A multi-award winning comedian with international tours, and openings for Aziz Ansari and Dave Chappelle, since 2012 Okine has been making a name for himself both at home in Australia and overseas. As a relatively new comic, Okine has a well-defined stage persona and an excellent economy of words, and while some jokes garner a greater reaction from the audience, there really are no dead spots in his show.
From the pitfalls of working a breakfast show on radio to typecasting in Australian television, Okine maintains a wonderfully carefree attitude through his comedic perspective, without becoming facetious or undermining the value of his commentary. There’s even a loose narrative planted throughout the show, which prevents the show from stagnating into a predictable rhythm.
What’s most exciting are the few hints towards his introspective observation, which not only provides solid material, but also indicates an enduring career when considering how far this could potentially progress. Okine was nominated for Best International Show at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival last year, and, while I cannot make a comparison for not having seen it, I see no reason why he couldn’t be nominated again.
Matt Okine is playing at the Q Loft as part of the NZ International Comedy Festival 2016 until April. 30. For details see the Comedy Festival
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