Honestly I didn’t know what to expect with this show. The gf bought the tickets and I just went along. This was apparently the first time this show’s ever been done, and I was bloody glad to still see it with all the glitches in tact too.

Demetri’s a cool guy. He’s from New Jersey so has some unfortunate Ray Romano Everybody Hates Raymond tinges about him, mostly in his appearance and accent. But with this show, he’s combined deadpan Steven Wright style one liners, Dr Katz style psychiatry comedy and a big dose of self deprecation. And you know what? For the most part it’s come off pretty well.

Not your typical stand up show (though apparently he’s doing that too), Demetri takes us through a production featuring music, animated segments and even puppetry as we journey through the 5 most traumatic experiences of his life according to Dr Parrot, his psychiatrist. Having said that it’s not too high brow and it’s a cute little show. While there’s indulgent musical moments, there’s also plenty of laugh out loud, self deprecating moments as we journey through real dorky photos of Demetri’s childhood.

What made it absolutely hilarious though was during one of the animated segments, his Apple laptop ran out of power (must’ve knocked the lead out) and it popped up a ‘this slideshow will stop until you can put the power plug back in’ message. So taking it in stride, he’s plugged in the power, said some colourful langauge and resumed the amination but this time with directors commentary! He was really cool and professional about the whole thing. Which was pretty cool considering the show already started 1 hour late! But that’s all opening night jitters that should well and truly be ironed out in future performances.

Suffice it to say, it has to be at least the cleverest show at the Melbourne Comedy Festival. And with repeat performances, it may well end up being one of the best. Here’s full information on Demetri Martin, Dr Earnest Parrot Presents Demetri Martin.