Dry wit in a mad world is what Daniel Connell packs into his latest comedy show. 

By Leeor Adar

Rising star of the Australian comedy world, Daniel Connell, returns to the 2018 Melbourne International Comedy Festival with a Bit of Shush. Since 2009 Daniel has brought his humour to our stages, and had a smashing success with his 2017 act, Stacks On. Daniel made his debut performance at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala and was selected to tour Asia and Australia as part of the Festival Roadshow.

Dubbed as ‘one to watch’, Daniel combines the affable larrikin nature of Dave Hughes with the sharpness of Tommy Little. What makes Daniel a cut above most comedians is his ability to make us laugh without giving in to crassness, to which many of his contemporaries give themselves. Although, he does give us a stirring sausage/refugee analysis that could make you cringe as well as admire the genius of its comparative qualities.

From beginning to end, Daniel keeps pace and keeps the laughs rolling with a dry wit that can be enjoyed by all. In-jokes are established with his audience within the hour, and there is a joyful energy in the air. Although the piece is centred on finding ‘a bit of shush’ in this mad world, the direction of the show takes a few twists and turns, but we are happy to go along with it, particularly when Daniel takes us to Elon Musk’s alternate dimension.

Daniel’s show is one of the high quality acts you can come and watch at the Melbourne Town Hall this comedy fest season, so do yourself a favour and see a Bit of Shush.

Bit of Shush plays at The Melbourne Town Hall until 22 April.  Tickets can be purchased online and by calling the box office on 03 9245 3788.

Photograph: Nicole Reed