Ahead of the 2010 New Zealand International Comedy festival, I thought it apt to put up the two, somewhat contrasting, reviews of my '09 festival show James Keating: Billbored. TVNZ is the state broadcaster, and theatreview are dicks.

"James Keating is one of this year's Billy T Nominees- up against the likes of Vaughan King, Dave Wiggins, Jim Brown and Chris Brain. His comedy is full of witticisms and keen observations of the way certain companies pitch to us the ideas they want us to buy into. The commentary he offers on the ridiculous nature of advertising is very clever and in this world of economic downturn there is more material than ever in the form of bizarre advertising. Keating has a very idiosyncratic style of delivery that is hinted at in the placid expression he bears on his poster and the title's pun. Do not expect high-energy comedy with dynamic comedian-audience interaction, and do not expect to lose yourself in a winding web of comedy. Instead, expect slowly delivered, ultra-low-key, ultra-ultra-low energy - yet truly funny observations on the motivational messages you find on trucks and trams, dyslexia sufferers playing scrabble and similar musings. Occasionally Keating's style leads to certain punch lines being lost under his breath which can be a little disappointing - so I can only recommend you pay close attention if you want to catch the pay-off. James Keating could potentially be the next winner of the infamous yellow towel, a symbol for the prestigious Billy T award (taken out in previous years by Steve Wrigley, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer and many other icons of New Zealand Comedy)- so here's your chance to see what impressed the judges and what made him a nominee."

TVNZ


"Although a few gems rang out at the opening night of Billbored, it was mostly tepid laughs for the premiere of James Keating's stand-up act. Performing at the Fringe Bar, once known as Bluenote, Keating's show doesn't really explore the themes implied in his programme blurb, so if you're expecting a postmodern spin on advertising and TV slogans you won't find it here. Instead, Keating takes us in typical stand-up style through various puns and jokes, my personal favourite involving a pet tapeworm who thinks his owner is a bum. His performance is bolstered by the venue, which lends itself particularly well to stand-up comedy with sparkly, shimmering curtains and cosy couches. The relaxed bar generates an even and comfortable environment just perfect for this type of comedy. While Keating certainly has a charming stage presence and an easy-going personality, on opening night I detected a small case of the jitters which prevented him from fully engaging with the audience. Some more focused eye contact would do wonders in helping him make that ever so important audience/performer connection. He nailed a few of the jokes and enticed a laugh or two out of most of us, but unfortunately much of the show was delivered with as little punch as an old carrot. However, I'm sure that his act will tidy up as the run progresses and his confidence builds."

Theatreview