James Smith

Within a month of landing in the US, Smith had secured his first paying gig. Five years later, he was performing at the renowned Comedy Cellar between Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle. In between writing for the recent Comedy Central roast of Justin Bieber, he has secured a coveted appearance on the popular talk show Conan this July.

Still, his profile Down Under is still modest. Smith opens the show with an interesting critique of the location for tonight’s gig. We are all huddled around a makeshift stage that fits neatly into the corner of the loft at the Enmore. It’s not quite the ideal space for this kind of gig and Smith knows it. “I’m so happy to be playing the Enmore Theatre tonight – I don’t know how my agent was able to negotiate such a wonderful corner. I specifically asked for an intimate venue and it looks like I got it.”

A former debating champion at university, tonight Smith is debating with himself about what he would be prepared to do to meet the perfect woman. “When I see a beautiful woman on the street, I think, ‘I would do anything to be with you.’ ‘Anything, really? Would you get a real job, James? Would you learn your lines for auditions? Well, that’s why you’re not dating her.’”

As one would expect from a former legal professional, Smith’s arguments are well constructed and analytical, providing a foundation for his many modern-day grievances. He’s an affable, understated comic with a sharp edge, who throughout the night riffs on his admiration of pregnant women, the oppressive nature of a comedian’s work day and the myriad problems with the adult entertainment industry.

Smith’s earlier tongue-in-cheek rant regarding the venue seems to have had the desired effect, as the final show of his tour is eventually moved to a larger part of the Enmore. Regardless of the locale, Smith is still one of this country’s most gifted comedians and an opportunity to see him on a rare visit home shouldn’t be missed.

3.5/5 stars