Reviewed by Bethany Miller

Firstly, what a brilliant premise for a comedy game show. Being one of those “gifted” kids, I was taken by the name from the start – the nostalgia of a school programme for unconventional thinkers that I realise now were probably all the oddballs and undiagnosed neurospicy types. Honestly, a lot of them must have ended up as comedians and improvisers on stages like this!

But being a Jim Fishwick special, the mastermind behind The Saboteur, and a competitive improv all star, there had to be more to it. And of course, there is.

Spoiler alert, there’s no epic science inventions, chess tournaments or future problem solving. But behind the facade of party tricks and mad skillz, we get to relish the art of deception. How well can the guests shimmy their way through a sham show or decipher another’s bluff? It’s like an epic version of two truths, one lie. And as a genuinely thrilling bonus, the bizarre skills of these well known performers is actually shocking – or as Austin Harrison puts it, “exhilarating”!

On opening night our guest contestants are Austin Harrison, Tara McEntee, and Lily Catastrophe, excellent performers who balance each other’s energies beautifully.

Lily Catastrophie is such an enigma; an infectious comedian who is equal parts sassy and endearing. You can never tell if Lily is grifting because she sounds sarcastic or like she’s lying about her skills every time. Then she busts out a flawless Pikachu portrait or correctly guesses a list of songs after only the first second (while squatting to help her think, which Austin points out is yet another impressive talent). She’s a bit like that player of Mafia who is constantly voted out because they can only sound suspicious. Beguiling and highly watchable, Lily uses her charms to remain firmly in the lead.

Austin Harrison is a fantastic listener, and uses this deviously to play the bully, weaponising his talent for cheeky banter. Tara McEntee is always there to call him out, making these improviser friends a brilliant comedy duo. Tara has delightful fake it till ya make it energy. She also has fabulous sideline sass, one liners and guessing strategy.

Shout out to Tara’s outburst of “scupdate?” after the MCs announce “time for the score update”, which Austin draws attention to so the MCs jump on, talking about “scups” as if it’s very serious sports commentator jargon.

The whole team’s wit and ensemble support is TIGHT, especially MCs Jim Fishwick and Malcolm Morrison, who make an adorable pair of happiness. That’s how you know the team are majority improvisers, because every juicy moment is yes-anded the hell out of. Jim, the primary host, weaves the show together effortlessly. They hold the room with playful lightness winning the audience over instantly – impressive for a Wednesday 9.45pm show!

The colour theme of orange and pink is a stunner that gives life to the late night show, with matching lighting and glitzy AV operated by Em Maguire. Shout out to Tara’s bright pink blazer to suit. I only wish the whole ensemble would join the zesty combination. The AV is very slick, with helpful infographics for the more complex rounds. Jim is a master of game theory theatre combos, and it’s a delight to witness.

Malcolm is Jim’s equally loveable co-host for the evening, who gives hilariously dry recounts during score updates but can’t keep a straight face before contestants are tasked with making him laugh. Malcolm’s trying-not-to-laugh face has the audience in stitches and Jim yelling “pull yourself together”!

At the show’s core is the thrill and satisfaction of giving things a go wholeheartedly. We never know whether the contestants will succeed,  so when they do it’s alarmingly impressive. But sharing in the joy of confident, earnest, glorious failure is an extra special treat. If we threw ourselves at daunting tasks with this much bravery in real life, maybe we’d be “future problem solving” after all.

It’s the sign of an enthralling show when my strongest desire is to be more involved in the action. Are there moments where the audience could have more participation or say? Random audience talent interludes? Jim picks up on an audience discussion (about a contestant’s balloon blowing technique), which I get to share with the room. The fun of this interaction has me wondering what else could be integrated?

However, so much of the fun is watching the action through the other player’s eyes, as they voice what the audience is thinking or highlight the hilarities we hope not to miss.

Is the show empowering niche parlour marvelors or inspiring a generation of disaster artists? Either way, this tight and fresh framing of competitive comedy is deliciously watchable and well worth staying out late for!

Grifted & Talented, presented by Jim Fishwick and guests, is on for one more night, Saturday 10 May at te Auaha, as part of NZ International Comedy Festival. Nab a ticket before the show returns to Australia for the Sydney Comedy Festival.