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Tuesday, 15 April 2025

90 Day Comedian review (Melbourne International Comedy Festival)

Dalin Oliver is a 90-day comedian. That’s how long his visa to Australia lasts before he heads back home to South Africa. But until then, he’s touring the country, sharing his observations about Australia while reflecting on his upbringing and life back home. It's an hour of some great storytelling, brilliant banter and plenty of laughter.

The room is overwhelmingly South African, which is not surprising, but somehow still surprising. Where have they all come from? But Dalin makes everyone feel welcome from the opening moments of 90 Day of Comedian, whether they’ve come for a taste of home or are just here for a good laugh. It helps immensely when the things he says South Africans are known for, like incredible self belief in being able to do anything with no experience, is actually supported - with evidence - by those in the audience.

Oliver’s crowd work is a particular highlight. One question to an audience member sets him off on a hilarious, off-the-cuff observation that he runs with for quite some time. He’s razor-sharp: listening intently, reading the room, and filtering everything through a comedic lens to find not just a funny response, but one that ties into his written material.

Another thing that impresses with this show is that Oliver has clearly done his homework about Australia, and much of the show is about the difference and similarities between South Africa and Australia. And it's not just for this show. Dalin researchers the countries he visits (I did my research) to tailor the show to his audience and give them the best time possible.

Oliver looks at various topics, and one that is quite interesting is what being a light skinned person of colour in South Africa is like, and this was something I wish we could have heard more about, but it was also just as much fun to hear about people who dress their dogs up for Instagram, and the competition for being the top state for crystal meth.

Show Details

Venue: Askal, 167 Exhibition St, Melbourne
Season: until 20 April | 8.30pm
Duration: 60 minutes
Tickets: $30 Full | $25 Concession
Bookings:
 Melbourne International Comedy Festival

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