Presented by Century
Reviewed 9 March 2018
Matt Okine is getting older. Thankfully, so is his audience.
For those who still lament the changes to Triple J, and pine for their OG Radio Breakfast Show, Matt and Alex, The Hat Game will more than satisfy. But radio fans, TV show fans, and those who have never heard the name, enter the theatre on even footing, as he guides the audience through his rise from rags to riches.
Talking us through his journey to compete in the Olympics, Matt charges off at a quick pace. While frequently venturing off on tangents, the audience moves along with him, and those tangents provide a good chunk of the laughs.
Matt jokes with the voice of a generation, born to live hand in hand with technology and toe to toe with crippling debt. For those who are receiving calls from parents to help sort out the TV, or those too afraid to answer their phones from fear of who might be calling, some jokes may feel a little too real.
The comedic timing is perfect, as Matt artfully takes a swig of his drink, allowing the gentlest of pauses to truly let the joke settle into the crowd. When moving at his fastest pace, Matt switches to movement. He dances across the stage to let the laughter subside, before another quick comment sets the crowd off again.
Clearly, Matt is a man who loves performing, and watching him do what he loves, you can’t help but love too. He may be getting older, but with that experience comes a skilful storyteller. And surely that’s worth a little balding for.
If you’re looking for a show which balances timely political jokes with squeamish teenaged boy humour, then Matt Okine’s The Hat Game has you covered. Grab your friends, because this is a show not to be missed.
Matt Okine’s going to the Olympics in this fast-paced, perfectly timed, roaringly funny show. Luckily, he’s willing to bring his audience on his journey from pauper to champion.
Reviewed by Elizabeth McDougall
Rating out of 5: 5
Venue: Arts Theatre
Season: Until 10 March 2018
Duration: 60 mins
Tickets: $32 – $35
Bookings: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/matt-okine-the-hat-game-af2018
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