Australia's Worst Journalist review | Sweeney Preston | Melbourne International Comedy Festival | The Motley Wherehaus

For three years, Sweeney Preston worked at PEDESTRIAN.TV, Australia’s largest youth publisher, as a journalist, breaking stories like “There’s Been Yet Another Explosive Development In Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie’s Family Saga” and “A Well-Known Aussie Gym Chain Has Finally Had It W/ Influencers, Banning Tripods At Its Gyms”. He also wrote dating advice articles, ironically while his own love life was in need of a rewrite. In Australia’s Worst Journalist, Preston blends his time in the newsroom with his mishaps in love for an hour of light-hearted comedy.



Preston’s delivery stays relaxed and aware throughout, which suits the material and keeps the tone grounded rather than overly stylised. His energy is consistently high, giving the set a sense of drive, even if the material doesn’t always match that momentum.



Aiding his stand-up is a PowerPoint presentation that provides visual support to his content, reinforcing key points as he goes. During his look at dating platforms, a variety of apps are displayed on screen with the audience invited to guess their intended target market. It's a simple but generally effective device that draws us into the show. His use of video and recordings adds further variety and gives the routine a bit more texture.



Of course, no performance about relationships is complete without self-examination, and Preston mines plenty of fodder from his own romantic misadventures, from the cultural friction that comes when an Aussie and a Brit date, to the surprisingly tricky experience of navigating a partner heavily invested in astrology. His willingness to poke fun at himself keeps the vibe easygoing and engaging, allowing for a balance between reflection and humour.



While I’m not entirely convinced how the title Australia’s Worst Journalist fits the show, given the sheer number of contenders for that dubious honour, Preston’s show still lands as a solid hour of laughs and self-deprecating storytelling. It doesn’t quite leave a lasting impression, but there’s enough here to suggest a performer with a clear voice and room to sharpen it more fully.

SHOW DETAILS

Venue: The Motley Wherehaus, 432 Queen St, Melbourne
Season: until 19 April | Thurs - Tue 6pm

Duration: 55 minutes
Tickets: $31 Full | $29 Conc | $27 Tightarse Tuesday
Bookings: Melbourne International Comedy Festival