Dan Barrett of Crikey’s White Noise blog writes…

Dressed in his uniform baggy black t-shirt and baggier denim jeans, Louis CK took to the stage last night at the Sydney Opera House. Despite the large venue and the very enthusiastic crowd response, the essence of what works for Louis CK was not lost. CK is a performer that thrives on a lack of pretension.

There’s a scene in the movie Funny People that has the Adam Sandler character giving advice on stand-up to a green comic. “Is your act just designed to make sure no girl will ever sleep with you again? All you fuckin’ talk about is jacking off and farting”. The scene played in my head throughout last nights set. CK is a performer who is beyond preening for the audience. His act is designed to delve into the truth of who he is as a man. If some of that is gross or distasteful, then so be it. It’s a truth.

One could sense the anticipation in the audience for CK upon entering the theatre. With one of the worlds most respected stand-up acts on stage, expectations were high.

CK vacillated between venturing into dark territory, such as his intense hatred for a 6-year old boy, to more light-hearted (but still somewhat dark) explorations into his own sexual desires and auto-erotic gratification. CK took us all on a journey that had the entire audience connecting with the darker truths that exist within us all.

Two warm-up acts preceded CK’s act. Tom Gleeson was serviceable by providing his brand of comedy sorbet, but the true standout was the very nervous up-and-comer Rob Hunter who had impressed CK enough in Melbourne to fly him to Sydney to open for him. Thomas won over the audience immediately with his tight and punchy material. He’s certainly one to watch out for.

It took a long time for Louis CK to make his way to Australia, but it was well worth the wait. The audience, filled with hardened comedy fans and almost a who’s who of Australian comedy performers, all seemed satisfied with post-show enthusiasm high.

Louis CK was in Australia as part of the Just for Laughs festival in Sydney.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra58oCnMaV8[/youtube]