Jennifer Wong often refers to herself as ‘bookish’ but the young Sydney comedian has got more spunk than she gives herself credit for. Never one to let her anxiety hold her back, she returns to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival with a fresh new show, Jennifer Wong is Spineless, in which she explores her desires to enter the publishing industry, helped along with humorous anecdotes about her upbringing in a Chinese family.
The show’s overall humour is self-deprecating with touches of dorky enthusiasm. Wong unashamedly declares her love of puns and tests out her favourites with the audience. Some puns are brilliant; others are terrible in the best possible way, but Wong’s strengths lie in her storytelling abilities. Her off-kilter observations on racial stereotypes and the Chinese language are charming and entertaining, and perfectly paired with her unique vernacular and wit. Her delivery skews towards awkward, which is very endearing.
At the start of the show Wong is confident and composed, gaining big laughs, but she began to falter towards the end of her hour. Some of her punch-lines go awry because of her increasingly awkward delivery and her seemingly enthusiastic exterior cracks open to reveal her inner anxieties. Due to the self-deprecating nature of her comedy, it’s hard to discern if Wong is actually freaking out onstage or if it’s all part of the routine. She loses her train of thought and hastily shoots out more puns to cover it up. It’s awkward, but still worthy of a chuckle.
Jennifer Wong is Spineless is a pleasant hour of comedy; Wong has a likeable quality that makes you feel like you’re happily chatting to a very funny old friend. With more stand-up experience, expect to see her comedy career flourish.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Jennifer Wong is Spineless
The Portland Hotel
28 March – 21 April
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
www.comedyfestival.com.au
27 March – 21 April
