Naff Lamentation On Differences Between Men And Women

The Age

Monday March 31, 2008

Helen Razer

COMEDY REVIEW: JEFF GREEN IN LIFE ACHE 2 1/2

Melbourne Town Hall,

until April 13

HAVE you ever stared at the unexceptional vision of your shoes for the better part of an hour? In the hope that your host mistakes your unease for a posture of hopeless laughter? If you enjoy concealing a plain discomfort, you'll find this middling show a pleasure.

Otherwise, Life Ache might prove a touch agonising.

Normally, I don't mind signalling my displeasure. If a performer is (a) ethically odious and/or (b) every bit as innovative as a skit from The Midday Show (after the departure of droll bandleader Geoff Harvey) I'll cross my arms and look miffed. I'm not one to let Austen Tayshus, for example, think he's Oscar Wilde.

The problem with Jeff Green (right), however, is that, despite some unforgivable and unreconstructed material about Ugly Women, he seems quite nice. So, I elected to stare at my shoes rather that reflect his significant failure.

It should be noted that, with more considered material, this guy can tear it up. Not this night.

His talents were engulfed in a jeremiad: The Differences Between Men and Women. Naff.